Potty training is a wonderful, bittersweet snapshot of
growing up - a memorable rite of passage. However, all too
often parents dread the process, particularly after
listening to well-meaning friends and relatives openly
share their own "horror" stories.

Well, I'm here to tell you that potty training has gotten
an undeserved bad rap and it's time we learned to celebrate
the process, not dread it. Just think, your child is about
to experience newfound freedom and you're closer to a
diaper-free household! What's not to like?

Having said this, you might still be uncertain about many
things, such as when to begin potty training, which
methodology to use, and the like. If so, you're not alone.
Successful potty training is definitely a learned skill -
not an instinct.

So, following are five very general "potty tips" - ones
that will get you pointed in the right direction.

1. Normal, healthy toddlers between the ages of 18 and 27
months should be physically ready for potty training, even
though some - especially girls - may be ready as early as
16 months. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports this
and states that the vast majority of children have fully
mature sphincter muscles (needed for elimination) between
12 and 24 months, with 18 months as a good average.

When toddlers are physically ready they may... * Squat,
grunt, or display other signs of awareness when he/she is
having a bowel movement

* Tug at his/her diaper when urinating

* Stay dry for longer periods and/or throughout the night
(you may notice that they stop having bowel movements first)

* Have more regular bowel movements

* Urinate a lot at one time (but less frequently)

2. Although physical signs are important, experts also
agree that developmental signals (motor, social, cognitive,
and emotional skills) are far better predictors than
chronological age. (NOTE: Consult with your pediatrician if
your child has physical, mental or emotional challenges,
which might affect this process.)

3. If you'd like to potty train your child quickly, be sure
to get a trustworthy, solid accelerated plan. You'll find
all kinds of "potty-train- your-child- in-a-day" plans on the
Internet. Some will promise you instant results with very
little work. Don't believe them. The truth is this - your
ability to potty train your toddler in a day or two,
entirely depends on your preparation, consistency, focus,
and follow-through. Any reliable potty training method
requires that parents devote their full attention to the
process. Period. Also, be sure that the system you choose
is supported in practice and theory by pediatricians, child
therapists, and other respected experts.

Your potty training method should:

* Offer guidelines for assessing your child's potty
training readiness

* Combine positive behavioral modifiers with supportive and
nurturing techniques (e.g. no punishment for accidents)

* Insist on one teacher (usually a parent) who will take on
the bulk of the training

* Provide detailed, step-by-step instructions and supplies
list

* Require that teachers devote full attention to the
training during the specified period of time

* Discourage the use of pull-ups and/or diapers during the
potty training process.

4. Yes, you'll need a potty chair, but successful potty
training is not dependent on "fancy" or expensive
equipment. I strongly recommend that parents use a potty
chair - not adult toilet - during training. However, your
potty chair doesn't have to be elaborate or pricey, it just
needs to look like a smaller version of a toilet. If you
must use the toilet, it's best to purchase a seat reducer
(smaller plastic seat that fits over a toiled to reduce the
size of the opening) and a small step stool for your little
one.

5. Regardless of what method you choose, do not let your
child sit on the potty (or toilet) for more than a minute
or two, unless something is happening. In my opinion, this
is one of the biggest mistakes parents unknowingly make and
one of the best potty tips I can offer. If he or she is
slow to get moving, run water. The sound should help. If
not, take your tot off of the potty and if he or she starts
to go on the floor, place your child back on the potty to
finish.

I hope you've found these high level potty tips helpful. I
wish you successful - and joyful - potty training!