Pottytraining 101:

Trying to hold onto your sanity while potty training your child can be somewhat intense. Is it because their accidents continue to frustrate you, or is it because you simply cannot handle buying one more pack of diapers? Potty training a child requires a good bit of patience along with some organization and in due time it will happen for every child.

While it may drive you mad hearing about the one old year old girl next door that has already successfully completed her potty training routine while you’re still working on bribing your four year old to get with the program, you must realize that every child is different. Some have the desire and the attention span to begin training at very young ages, while others may be afraid of it or simply not interested. The first step in successfully potty training your child is to stay calm. Getting upset every time your child has an accident is only going to cause you additional stress, which will in turn upset the child as well. If you have tried the training around the age of one or two and your child simply is not getting the swing of things, then ask them why. They may be afraid or just not understand the importance of graduating from diapers to going to the bathroom on their own, either way the sooner you speak to your child regarding their issues with the training, the sooner you may have them out of those diapers. It is never a wise idea to push the child into potty training either, this will make them cry or feel as if they are hurting you by their lack of development. Some children are not even ready to start their training until they are four, even five years old. You have to be patient; even though it may be very frustrating, it's something that has to come on its own time.

Some tips for encouraging your child to be more excited about their potty training would be to make it fun, provide a reward system and give lots of hugs. You have to imagine being a toddler or preschooler, what appears to be remotely fun about going the bathroom? Not a whole lot, so it is up to you the parent to make it fun. Provide stickers, small toys or a special treat such as playing outside for ten minutes each time they go. Give lots of affection after each attempt, even if they failed to complete their mission as it will assure them they are getting closer to their goal and you are behind them all the way. Always back off for the rest of the day if your child seems hesitant or becomes very upset with the situation and try again the next day. Remember, all the children that attend high school have been potty trained. Your child will master the skill in due time as well.