I have four children and am in the middle of potty training my fourth. It is always an adventure when you get to this stage because of the level of excitement, frustration and confusion that can happen all within the same day with respect to potty training.

First and foremost, the best thing you can do when your child gets to this stage is to NOT pressure them into going. If you do this, you can reverse their desire to doing it and that leads to all kinds of problems such as holding it in, fear, upset stomachs, and all kinds of issues. In order to overcome pressuring them, remind yourself that your child will eventually go on the potty and take it one day at a time. Realize that one day might be successful and the next day might be a total disaster. Understand that this is very normal and every parent goes through it.

Secondly, and this is my personal favorite, is to let them see you go to the bathroom. I know this may sound really wierd but how else will they figure it out unless they see others going potty? Take the opportunity to teach them what you are doing and how you do it. At this point it is not an invasion of privacy. Over time when they are fully trained you can teach them how to close the door and wash their hands.

Thirdly, listen to what your child wants. Some children are scared of the adult toilet. They are afraid of falling in. If they express fear like this, it might be time to buy them a small potty found in many stores. This will help them to overcome their fear of going on a potty. You can eventually graduate to the big toilet when they are ready. Some kids, including my own, want to start off on the big toilet right away. This is fine. Let them. You may need to help them get on and off so they don't fall in. You may also have to help push them toward the back of the seat so they can sit comfortably.

Lastly, ask your child every hour or so if they need to go potty. Get them used to hearing the question. Ask a lot. It will help them to think of it until eventually they are mature enough to tell you that they have to go. When your child does go, give them a little treat. If you are fearful that you are creating a habit of getting a treat each time they go, don't worry. I gave treats to all of my kids during training and eventually they no longer ask for the treat and they wean themselves off the treats. If your child is like most, they love positive enforcement so give it to them for a job well done. Realize that your child will definitely have accidents in all places whether at the store, at bedtime and anywhere else that is usually inconvenient. While in the training stages, you will need to carry wipes and an extra set of clothes with you at all times to minimize the frustration with the accident. Never punish a child for having an accident. Remember that they are learning and they need your patience so please give it to them. They do eventually grow out of the accident stage. If you are prepared, you and your child will be more successful getting through it.