The ABC's of Productive and Positive Potty Training

When it comes time for your child to potty train, it can be difficult to know where to start. The first place you can start is with your toddler. Explain to your child that having to go potty is part of life. Everyone goes potty. Even all the animals go potty.

Next, you need to tell them about the potty itself. Let your child know the toilet is where all people go potty. Make sure they understand that's where all the big boys and girls go potty. Explain to them how the potty works. If they have their own potty, let them look at it and sit on it. You will also want to explain they won't have to wear diapers anymore, when they learn to go potty. Tell them they'll be wearing big boy or big girl pants when they learn to use the potty.

Other tools you can use to help your toddler use the potty are books, videos, or DVDs. These are great ways for your toddler to be exposed to potty training. Often, they feature loveable characters learning to go potty. Your toddler will learn through imitation. Make sure that family or any other care givers are aware of your potty training efforts. It's important to have consistency when it comes to potty training.

You can also take your toddler with you to the store to buy new underwear for them. Show them all the different kinds available. Let your toddler pick some out. They will have a bigger stake in their potty training if they chose the underwear they'll get to wear.

It's a good idea to avoid putting certain types of clothing on your toddler, during this time. For example, overalls, pants with excessive buttons, snaps, zips, tight clothing or even oversized shirts should be avoided. You'll have to put any of these types of garments to the side, for now.