Toddler Trouble - Toilet Training
We don’t call it the “terrible twos” for nothing, and “toddler trouble” is a common topic for discussion, and exasperation, on many parent blogs and social media websites! In common with puberty, this stage of development is characterised by a great many physical, mental and emotional changes, presenting a number of potential challenges for child and parent alike. This is the first of 4 pieces looking at a range of topics affecting the health and wellbeing of this age group, while offering support and natural solutions to ease the way.
The internet is full of tips and advice on potty training, and I have links to help you, here on my website. Key considerations include whether your toddler is ready or not. It is virtually impossible to toilet train a child under 18 months, as neither the nervous system, nor the muscles controlling bladder and bowel movement are sufficiently well developed. Language skills and self-awareness have to be present also. It is also worth reminding oneself that no two children are the same, and that the process can take variously weeks or months with minor relapses if your child becomes troubled or unwell. Let’s not forget also that boys and girls demand a different approach, added to which a parent/carer’s anxiety over the process can hold things up too.
If however, you feel you that have tried everything , or alternatively, you feel that progress has stalled or in fact reversed, homeopathic remedies offer a range of natural, non-toxic solutions, for your child. I have selected a range of commonly prescribed remedies to support you during this phase.
ANAL RETENTION: Children can display “anal retentiveness” as a result of changes at home – often the birth of a baby brother or sister, starting a new school, or as a result of other fears and anxieties. Consider Calcarea Carbonicum or Natrum Mur in this situation.
BOWEL PARALYSIS: If your child appears to have an inactive bowel, with great straining to pass even a soft stool, or will not pass stool until there is a large accumulation Alumina is an option. If your child passes small amounts, but feels that there is more left, and if they have a history of taking laxatives Nux Vomica could be called for.
REBELLIOUS OR STUBBORN BEHAVIOUR: If you feel that your child is essentially “ready” for toilet training, but will not comply, remedies such as Calcarea Carbonicum, Calcarea Phosphoricum or Chamomilla should be thought of, to temper the behaviour and make the child more receptive to the process.
CLINGY, WEEPY BEHAVIOUR: Your child may alternatively express a clingy, weepy behaviour, with frequent, uncontrollable urination as a response to toilet training. Think of Pulsatilla.
NIGHT TIME URINATION: For frequent bedwetting, which may be accompanied by night terrors Phosphorus or Tub’ may be the answer.
When struggling with this myself I comforted myself with the thought that it is a passing phase,and that it is surmountable with the correct support and advice
TESTIMONIAL - CHRONIC CONSTIPATION
Rosie was the bigger twin, aged three and a half and considered tall for her age. Born at thirty seven and a half weeks by caesarean section, weighing 6lb 11oz, she had had sluggish bowel movements, prone to constipation, since birth. However, following a bout of cryptosporidiosis(a gastrointestinal infection of the parasite cryptosporidium), during her second year, Rosie became chronically constipated. Despite being well hydrated, she would regularly go for four to five days without passing stool. On those days when she did have a bowel movement, according to her mother, she would “wail” in distress, shake, sweat profusely, strip her clothes and hold her vagina. Having passed a “massive lump” of putrid, brown, hard, solid stool her mood would lift temporarily. In addition to a loss of appetite and bloated tummy, Rosie’s mother expressed concern for her daughter’s “depressed and distressed” state of mind. Her usually bright, compassionate, sensitive, determined, independent and outgoing child had become habitually withdrawn, clingy and sad. Regular visits to the GP with unsuccessful prescriptions of Lactulose, Senokot and Movicol (for which NHS guidance is not to prescribe for children under 12), led them to my door.
The first and only prescription of Causticum 30c (one granule in water, shake and sip for 7 days, 7 days break and repeat for an additional 7 days,) was given on 20th May 2024. At the next appointment on 10th July, Rosie’s mother reported that “Rosie was going for a poo nearly every day” (5-6 days out of 7), without distress. Her stomach was less bloated and the stool was “soft and squidgy” and lighter in colour”. She went on to remark that she was a “different child”, sleeping and eating better and generally happier in herself. Her mother even described Rosie and “spritely” with a healthy vitality of 8/10. By 4th September Rosie was passing stool daily without discomfort and had also chosen to use a potty or toilet, without any more need to stand to pass stool. Sleep and appetite were noted as good, with vitality now at an improved 9/10 along with “really good concentration”. According to Rosie’s mother the most “drastic change” was that her daughter was now generally happy, singing to herself and more emotionally connected to her twin. “Your magic wand has worked”, she said". Rosie & Bec
It is always advisable to consult with a qualified homeopath before administering remedies