Photo by StephaniePetraPhoto
Up until just recently I have tackled any milestone my twin boys have come up on with enthusiasm and optimism that it would soon be achieved. When we switched to solid food, I was excited for them to try new things. When we finally switched to toddler beds, I knew it would be work to keep them in bed and establish new bed time routines but eventually we made it through.
But when it came to potty training I was really dragging my feet this time. I saw the signs that they were ready but I was overwhelmed by how much work it would be and terrified over the possible many accidents they would most likely have. At least in diapers, the mess is contained.
But with the cost of diapers really taking a chunk out of our budget and because they were showing signs that they were ready, I knew that I could no longer avoid this new milestone.
When we got to my daughter, I thought I finally had potty training down.Though I had confidence this time around, I found myself feeling like a novice again. She had completely different needs and issues than her brothers.
But through my many mistakes and wins I believe I have run through all the possible problems there could be with three very different children. Here are some of my best potty training tips:
Get them excited about the potty.
[
](http://lebistro31.com/parenting/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/4823451119_55eec64d17_o.jpg) Photo by madgerly
This can be as simple as reading books and showing them DVDs about the potty.
My children loved it when I read them these books and then they could run to the bathroom to point out the potty.
Their favorite being Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi. These were a great way to introduce them to the toilet training.
Know when your child is ready.
[
](http://lebistro31.com/parenting/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/2850492718_222e996afa_b.jpg)
Photo by Andrew Bardwell
Sometimes if you push potty training too soon you may be setting yourself up with a lot of accidents and not much success. It can prolong the process a lot longer and give you headaches. Be aware of the signs that your child may be ready.
Some of these may be that your child will occasionally have dry periods such as waking up from a nap with a dry diaper.
Or you may start to notice that your child makes it obvious when they go #2. They may start wanting some privacy and will find a corner to poop in the diaper. This is a great sign that they are ready.
Bring them around big kids who use the potty.
[
](http://lebistro31.com/parenting/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/1778188040_4aaa582a86_b.jpg)
Photo by Juhan Sonin
This seemed to really get my boys excited about the potty. When visiting their cousins, they got a kick out of watching their slightly older cousin use the toilet.
It made them excited about trying the whole potty thing out because they wanted to be a big kid too like him. You can also watch this video to learn about how to get started with potty training
Reward!
[
](http://lebistro31.com/parenting/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/4232289397_4981b72dec_b.jpg)
Photo by Abigail Batchelder
Stickers and M&Ms are great prizes to give when your little one uses the potty. These rewards may give your child the little push or incentive they need to be successful. If they go for a whole week without an accident, you can reward them with something a little extra – like a trip to the dollar store to pick out a toy.
Remember to always praise when they use the toilet but don’t go overboard.
If they have an accident, they may get discouraged by the lack of support. Remind them that accidents happen.
Buy a portable potty.
[
](http://lebistro31.com/parenting/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/3539511950_16cffbbde6_b.jpg)
Photo by Frédéric de Villamil
You never know when they have to go and sometimes a bathroom is just too far away or not possible at the moment.
A portable potty can be used in the car or sometimes discreetly when you are playing at a park.
It is always wise to have a set of extra clothes and wipes in the car for those just in case moments and accidents.
[
](http://lebistro31.com/parenting/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/4906716342_d96cc3b632_b.jpg)
Photo by bengarrison
It’s best to say it twice. You’re going to need patience and lots of it to help you conquer this mountain. Bear in mind that setbacks may occur here and there, along with possible accidents before your child finally gets the hang of it. Arm yourself with lots of compassion and love. Remember that you’re making precious memories, it’s about the journey and in the end it will all be worth it.
Now listen carefully!
Take 2 minutes to read the next page and you’ll discover a stunning trick which will show you… How to potty train your child in 3 days!
There is a set of easy to follow tricks which shows any child how to get out of their diapers in just a few days. I strongly urge you to read everything on the next page before it’s too late and time runs out