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 Ask Dr. Jana
A Two-Year-Old Who Won't Let Her Toenails Be Clipped | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Jana,
My two-year-old daughter hates to have her toenails trimmed. She is pretty good about fingernails, but she won't let us touch the toenails. Why is this? And how do we handle it?— Alex M. in Richmond, VA | | | ANSWER |
April 6, 2001 | | | Dear Alex,
As I read your question, the first thing that came to mind is that it is extremely common for children your daughter's age to find something to refuse, dislike, or get upset about. If it's not toenails, it's getting hair brushed, brushing teeth, or wearing elastic waist pants. Regardless of the exact scenario, the important thing for you to remember is that two-year-olds work very hard to be in control, and that they are individuals with their own likes and dislikes. In their quest for independence, they inevitably will be defiant on occasion. These are the times when you want to step back and think about what you're trying to get your two-year-old to do and pick your rules (or choose your battles) carefully.
When it comes to your dilemma at hand (or should I say - foot), the best approach is obviously not to forego the toenail clipping altogether, but see if you can determine why your daughter is so opposed. Sometimes, just making a game out of the task can make a world of difference. Perhaps if the promise of toenail polish awaits her, she might not be so resistant.
The most important part of how you handle this situation is that you don't let her refusals get you angry, but instead that you stay calm, try to acknowledge her preferences, and allow your daughter some choices (such as when, where, and how) at the same time that you make the simple bottom line statement that toenails need to be clipped.— by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P. |
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