Conference moira::parenting_v3

    I think this is a pretty common stage -- both my kids went through
    it.  I dealt with this by making everything as easy as possible
    for them.
    
    Make sure there's enough light for her to find the bathroom
    easily.  A nightlight in the bathroom is a good idea; it gives
    them a target.  Or get her her own flashlight.
    
    If you normally leave the lid down, it might help to leave it up
    until she gets a little more adept at making her way during the
    night.  The more things she has to worry about, the more likely
    she is to wake somebody up for help.
    
    Get her a nightgown (actually an old oversize t-shirt of Mommy's
    or Daddy's works great) so that she doesn't have to fumble with
    snaps etc. 
    
    --bonnie

    I definitely second what Bonnie said - make it easier for her.
    
    We're working on this now with my son. I found that he will ask for
    help in the bathroom during the day if he has on snap and zipper clothes
    but if he has pull-on pants he can do it all himself. He will still
    tell me he has to go but I just say "ok, call me if you need help"
    and he is off to the bathroom.
    
    This might actually be the answer here. Does your daughter tell you
    everytime she has to go to the bathroom? That's the habit that is
    carrying into the night-time tinkle too. Start encouraging her to just
    go by herself all day long and it might carry into the night as well.
    That's what we've been working on with our son. I hope it is working
    but I know I'm spending less time in the bathroom pulling up little 
    underwear with Mickey Mouse on them during the day. 
    
    Andrea

    Regarding your daughters habit of telling you that she has to go
    to the bathroom....
    
    My daughter who has been in a school/daycare environment since 18
    months old - would always seek me out at home to ask permission to
    go to the bathroom.  I was quite amused by this even to the point
    of teasing her by saying "no you can't"  and waiting for her 
    reaction.  I very quickly realized that she MUST ask permission to
    go to the bathroom at school and this had carried over at home.
    
    It took some doing at her age 2 1/2 - 3 yrs to make her understand
    that she DID have to let her teacher know she was leaving the room
    to go to the bathroom, but she did not have to let mom/dad know.  
    
    Maybe your daughter feels compelled to get your permission?
    
    Just a thought...
    
    Tricia
     

    
    I also second .1 suggestion about making it eaiser for the child.
    
    We have a night light by my duahgter's door and one by the toilet
    in the bathroom. The bathrrom is a couple of steps from her room,
    so we didn't put a night light in the hallway. The toilet seat is 
    always down and the cover is up. My daughter wears a night shirt 
    (big T shirt) in the warm weather and thermal underwear in the 
    winter, so no help is needed. 
    
    You may want to limit her liquid  and also salty food intake before
    bedtime and make sure her goes before bed. 
    
    Eva

    I was just wondering the same thing last night.  I heard my 3 yr.
    old get up and go to the bathroom at about 2:00 am and it was the
    5th time that week (I am a very light sleeper these days due to
    having a 3 mos. old too).  I was wondering if it was another "stage".
    
    Paige doesn't wake us up, however, just goes about her business
    and goes back to bed.  So I would agree with Bonnie, make it easier
    on her by buying her some nighties so she won't need help.
                           

Hi Liz,

How about controlling the amount of liquids that you give her
after supper? It works with me. I try to drink less after supper
and I get to sleep through the night.

cal