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Bear's ten tips to perfect potty training

Courtesy of Columbia Tri-Star Video
August 28, 1999

On August 31, 1999, Columbia TriStar Home Video will release the critically praised "Bear in the Big Blue House: Potty Time with Bear'' from Jim Henson Home Entertainment. This great new tape can be ordered directly from Muppet Central.

Originally broadcast on the Disney Channel in February 1999 to rave reviews and some of the series' highest ratings to date, "Bear in the Big Blue House: Potty Time With Bear'' deals with the sensitive and highly relevant potty training topic. Presented in a fun way for kids to learn about and become comfortable with the potty, the episode was written and directed by series creator and Director's Guild of America award-winner Mitchell Kriegman, with Barbara J. Howard, M.D., a specialist in child development at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, serving as a special consultant.

To mark the eagerly anticipated home video release of "Bear in the Big Blue House: Potty Time With Bear,'' Columbia TriStar Home Video, Jim Henson Home Entertainment and, of course, the Bear, are pleased to present Bear's Ten Tips To Perfect Potty Training:

1) Wait until your child is ready (usually between 2 - 2 1/2 years)

2) Use subtle hints (put a potty seat in the bathroom)

3) Start when there are no major distractions (new siblings, divorce, etc.)

4) Offer incentives and rewards for a job well done

5) Dress your child in clothes that are easily taken on and off

6) Never punish or scold your child for accidents

7) Train your child to wash hands after using the potty

8) Do not pressure your child to use the potty

9) Have patience, most children aren't potty trained by the age of three

and most importantly...

10) MAKE IT FUN!!

"Bear in the Big Blue House: Potty Time With Bear'' follows Bear as he helps Tutter, Ojo and everybody else in the Big Blue House better understand the "why's'' and some of the "how-to's'' of toilet training. Bear explores the emotional and developmental sides of potty training by explaining that leaving diapers behind and using the toilet is simply a part of growing up. By show's end, everyone is inducted into the Mystic Order of the Toileteers, Pip and Pop's exclusive club for the potty-trained.

        The show garnered nationwide critical acclaim, including:

        "For parents who might welcome a bit of positive reinforcement, this no-pressure, when-you're-ready, everybody-does-it, demystifying approach is it." -- Los Angeles Times

        "What Bear does in his House is gently guide pottygoers and wannabees through all of the big and little fears raised by trading diapers for training pants." -- Newsday

        "We found it a delight, delivered in good taste?" -- The Star Ledger (Newark)

"Children are naturally excited about mastering the use of the toilet as long as parents and caregivers don't get in their way by being overly concerned or tense,'' states Dr. Howard. ``The goal of this program is to deal with some common concerns children have in order to make toilet learning easier.''

Enjoying a theme from many fun-filled points of view, the Emmy-nominated preschool series Bear In The Big Blue House utilizes music and storytelling to create an environment that encourages interactivity and imagination. Bear creates a shared experience for parents and kids together and his camera- sniffing style makes kids feel like Bear is talking directly to them.

Newspapers are encouraged to reprint Bear's Ten Tips To Perfect Potty Training. To receive a "Bear in the Big Blue House: Potty Time With Bear'' videocassette screener, or to book Bear in the Big Blue House creator Mitchell Kriegman or Barbara J. Howard, M.D, please contact SSA Public Relations.