Potty training is the transitional phase that takes children from diapers to toilet. Dreaded by many parents, potty training is an essential step in your child's development. Additionally, potty training is usually necessary before your child can attend school and certain day programs. Children who have not undergone potty training may be delayed in getting these social and learning opportunities. Despite the potty training horror stories you may heard, potty training is not all that difficult. Yes, potty training takes effort, but you will survive!

Parent-tested potty training tips:

1.      Potty training is usually successful between the ages of two and four, but each child is different, so watch for clues that signal your child is ready to begin potty training, regardless of age. Girls are typically ready for potty training before boys.

2.      Be realistic about your potty training goals! Your child may take several months to master potty training. Talk to your child's pediatrician about what to expect during the potty training process.

3.      Provide a potty training chair or toilet topper to help your child feel secure when practicing potty training. Adult-size toilets can be intimidating and dangerous for children, who may fall in or off the toilet. A foot stool should also be provided during potty training and until the child is taller.

4.      Get your child accustomed to the idea of potty training by letting them sit on the toilet while fully dressed. Potty training can then continue in appropriate stages: sitting on the toilet with a soiled diaper, sitting without a diaper, and eventually at specific times of the day like in the morning and before bedtime.

5.      If you are comfortable doing so, letting your child watch the same-sex parent using the bathroom may help potty training.

6.      Talk to your child about potty training. Always use the same words to describe urinary and bowel functions, and encourage your child to tell you when he/she has an urge to go. This will involve your child in the potty training process.

7.      Praise is essential to successful potty training. Praise your child at all stages of potty training. In the beginning, that may mean making a big deal about telling your he/she needs to void – even if the deed has already been done!

8.      Potty training should be a positive experience – shame and punishment delay potting training success, while positive reinforcement encourages potty training progress.

9.      Reward your child's successful potty training efforts by switching from diapers to training pants after a week or more of toilet voiding. This is a major potty training milestone, so celebrate the transition with your child!