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Raising three children presented many challenges, including the task of potty training. When I look back at that particular chore, the memory of advice given to me by my son’s doctor still makes me smile.

The advice came when my son was almost three and still showed no interest in getting rid of his diapers. At his annual check-up, I breathlessly told the pediatrician about my predicament. I must have appeared frazzled, because he asked me to sit down. With his eyes locked on mine, and with a slight smile, he gently said these words: “Lori, just remember, he’s not going to walk down the aisle on his wedding day in diapers.”

This simple realization (that I was agonizing over something that I didn’t need to) eased my fears tremendously. Thank goodness! As soon as I stopped trying so hard to potty train him, my son decided it was time for big-boy underwear. Maybe he sensed that we were no longer engaged in a power struggle over diapers, or maybe his body told him it was just time, but he was potty trained in two days. When my daughters came along, the doctor’s words of wisdom still echoed in my ears. Potty training, although sometimes difficult, does not have to be the power struggle that many parents make it out to be.

First, it’s important to determine whether your child is ready for the task or not.

Is Your Child Showing Readiness?
1. Can your child follow simple directions?
2. Does your child show interest in potty training?
3. Does your child let you know, by facial expression or posture, that he or she has to urinate or have a bowel movement?
4. Can your child pull his or her pants up and down?
5. Is your child dry for long periods, and after naps?

If you answered yes to all of the questions above, your son or daughter may be ready for potty training. Getting ready is the next step. Set the potty chair in the bathroom for a few weeks before you try to use it. This will help your child begin to feel comfortable around it. In addition, you may wish to read books and watch DVDs about potty training with your child. It may sound silly, but one song in particular was very helpful when training my girls. I still remember a few of the lyrics: She is a super duper pooper…she can potty with the best…no more diapers to get in her way!

Finally, use the following tips for success.
1. Be patient and consistent.
2. Mistakes happen; don’t punish your child for having an “accident.”
3. Take regularly scheduled potty breaks. Let your child sit on the potty chair several times a day even if they don’t show signs of having to go.
4. Get to the bathroom fast! If your child indicates by posture or facial expression that he or she has to “go,” don’t delay in getting to the restroom.
5. Consider giving rewards, such as stickers, when your child is successful.