Mothers' descriptions of the toilet-training process: a phenomenologic study

Mastery of independent toileting is a major developmental milestone for both children and parents, yet little research has been done on the topic since the early 1960s. Since little empirical data exists on the topic, a phenomenologic approach was used to identify components of the toileting process from the mother's perspective and to identify concepts germane to the toileting process to be studied in future research. Based upon analysis of tape-recorded, open-ended interviews, five recurring themes were identified: timing, trajectories of successes and failures, strategies, mother influencers, and child traits and skills. The recurring themes suggested a commonality of experiences, even though individual stories of the transition from diapers to underpants were unique for each child.