ABSTRACT
Discussion of the process of toilet training presents two major difficulties. The first is that the development of reliable continence in a child does not occur on a precise date. The second difficulty is the outcome of the method of investigation: that, where a continuous process is studied by means of checks at arbitrary stages, much may have happened during the interval which is no longer available in accurate form. The retrospective reports of methods used in training are more meaningful, especially where specific behaviour involving punishment or reward is concerned. This chapter takes such reports into account but concentrates in the main upon attitudes towards children whose training is still uncompleted at four, and upon the training background of these children now and earlier, so far as this can be assessed. In achieving success in toilet training, it may be more important that the mother have a relaxed attitude than that she should start at any particular age.
