how to potty train. Welcome to the potty training page. This can be a frustrating experience for parents. Don't worry, relax! I have two toddlers of my own and put together the ultimate list for struggling moms and dads. Hang on to your training pants and let's go!

First of all, have a positive attitude. Your child will pick up on your negative vibes and be resistant to the program. If your angry or upset, chances are so will your trainee.

Is your child ready? The American Academy of Pediatrics says if your child is between 18 and 24 months they are ripe for the picking. Make sure they are ready. Different children mature at different ages. If your child shows interest in the toilet or doesn't like to have a soiled diaper, these are good signs. My two year old would walk around all day with a soiled diaper. Not a good sign!

How to potty train. Let your child pick out a potty seat. Go to the store and let them shop. Make it an event. If you pick it out, chances are he or she will reject it. When your child picks it out, they have ownership. They will want to use it.

Sit your child on the potty. Sounds silly right. It's not going to happen right away. Let them just sit on it and get a "feel" for the seat. Remember, it's a new experience. Give them some privacy and close the door. What worked great for me was giving my daughter a book to read while on the potty. Now don't give her the Wall Street Journal. Give them a favorite book, or even a potty training book.

Training pants. Tell your trainee she can wear "Big Kid" pants. Let your child put them on and take them off. Help them out. It's going to be tricky at first.

In the morning. First thing in the morning, sit your child on the potty. If you give her a chance to eat and watch TV, it will be too late.

Rewards. After all, do you like to work for free? When your child goes, give them a favorite snack. You can also use a chart system. Make a chart out of a piece of paper and tape it on the wall. The chart should have a dozen or so boxes. When they reach their goal, your child gets a prize. (Yes you'll have to go back to the toy store.)

Celebrate. That's right. When your child pees, you're gonna party like it's 1999! Make them feel good about their accomplishments. If they have a good time, they are more likely to do it again.

Follow up. My daughter liked to hide behind the couch or in her room and take care of business. You have to act like a diaper and stay on their butt. (Alright, that wasn't funny.) When you see the deal going down, it's time to act. Put them on the potty.

Last, but certainly not least. Relax. Take your time. Just think of how you were when you first tried to program your VCR. (Remember VCR's?) Eventually your little one will get it. Follow these steps and you will be on the road to success.

Good luck and happy training!