The ONCDC Blog

What to do with the naked runner?

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This is a very common challenge for parents. As adults, we can empathize with the desire to just be naked and free, especially for children who spent most of their lives wearing uncomfortable diapers. We recommend being honest and up front with your child about when they can and cannot be naked. At school, we…

My child won’t lay still for a diaper change!

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If your infant will not lie still for a diaper change, then they are trying to tell you they are ready to take on more responsibility at diaper time. They are telling you they will not be passive recipients and they need to participate! You can give your infant an opportunity to lift their legs,…

I think we moved to underwear too soon.

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If your child is struggling with using the potty, having frequent accidents, holding poop, or very stressed, you may have moved to underwear too soon. If you think it was too soon and after a week or two it hasn’t improved, we recommend telling your child, “It seems like pooping in the potty is really…

Ready for Underwear?

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Once children are consistently using the potty they may be ready for underwear. In our experience it is common to see parents who are eager to make the switch to underwear too early. We recommend waiting until your child is consistently dry in their diaper for a week or so and consistently pooping  in the…

Potty Learning Starts with the Diaper Change

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Potty learning starts with the diaper change. Each time you change your child, you are helping her understand how her body gets rid of waste, what we need to do to take care of her body, and how she can participate. Talk to your child with respect especially through a diaper change. If we distract…

Involving Children in Meal Planning

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Involving children in the meal planning is not only going to help them make more food choices and give you an opportunity to teach them about healthy food, but will also help you to combat fussy eating and help children to contribute to the family. Young children can: Make a grocery list. Find things in…

Sometimes Food

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We recommend introducing the concept of ‘sometimes food’. These are the treats, snacks, dessert etc, that you don’t want your children to become dependent on or accustomed to having every day. When a child asks you for a candy bar you simply say, “That’s a ‘sometimes food’. It tastes good but it doesn’t help our…

Establishing a Family Mealtime

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By about 9 months you can encourage different types of finger foods and begin to think about prioritizing family mealtimes. We recommend allowing children to try to feed themselves and assisting as necessary. Once children are eating well on their own, then you no longer need to feed them. We want children to learn to…