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Health & Fitness

Local Voices: I Don't Want to Go!

Author of "I Don't Want to Go to the Toilet," teaches parents how to toilet-train a preschooler, explains the child's view of potty training. FREE at PAMF. Must reserve:call 650-853-4873.

Free Parent Education Talk about Toilet Training on October 4th 

The economic crisis, strife in the Middle East and the latest celebrity scandal may be featured in the daily news but eavesdrop on any group of parents of preschoolers and the hot topic of discussion will likely be potty training! When should you start training? What’s the best way to go about it? Why does my child refuse to go?!

If this is a challenge that you’re facing, here’s some good news. One of the San Francisco Bay Area’s leading experts in child development and behavior, Annye Rothenberg, Ph.D., is coming to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation’s Hearst Center for Health Education, 795 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, on Tuesday, October 4 from 7 – 9 p.m.

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She’s the author of I Don’t Want to Go to the Toilet, the latest book in her series of all-in-one books for children and for their parents.  Rothenberg's professional visits to families in their homes have helped her observe the variety of ways parents guide their children as well as the children’s likely reactions. In her book, she shares this wisdom and experience.

This free lecture will cover the two obvious topics -- peeing and pooping – as well as expert insight on when and how to toilet-train your preschooler. She’ll explain what is the child's view of toilet training (something I wish I’d understood years ago), plus she’ll share age-appropriate tools to motivate your youngster even if they are uninterested, reluctant or fearful.

Find out what's happening in Palo Altowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Becky Beacom, manager of Health Education at PAMF’s Palo Alto Center, arranged for Dr. Rothenberg to come speak after discovering her latest book and hearing parental pleas for advice.

“Anyone with little ones at home will want to learn about this! I predict this will be a lively and informative evening,” Beacom said. “For many years we have supported families through parent education – with our own health education lectures and programs as well as outside experts. These lectures and classes can be extremely helpful, especially if parents are overwhelmed.”

I Don’t Want to Go to the Toilet will be available for purchase at the lecture courtesy of Keplers. You can also find her books on her website Perfecting Parenting Press or on Amazon.

Dr. Rothenberg’s talk is FREE and open to the public but space is limited so reservations are recommended; call 650-853-4873 or register on PAMF’s Health Education website.

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