By Jacqueline Courtiol

Getting your toddler to perform toileting independently is a welcome milestone for any parent. Few of us want to be changing diapers much past the childs second birthday. However, children vary greatly in their adoption of the potty routine which is influenced by a childs innate ability, aptitude and maturity. However, there several tips and techniques you can use to hasten the blessed day when your toddler says: 'Mommy, I did potty by myself'.1.) Get your child ready - explain to your child that its time to do 'pee-pee' and 'poo-poo' in the potty. Promote the benefits of being trained such as no more diaper rash, interruptions for diaper changing, being clean and dry. Discuss training as an important stage of growing up.
2.) Make it fun - first and foremost, make this a game. Children will naturally resist anything which is not framed as a fun learning experience. Use play, music, toys, and stories as part of the experience to keep the child from getting bored or distracted.
3.) Create a ritual - try to make the experience repeatable so your child knows what to expect each time and gets into the routine of sitting and staying on the potty.
4.) Use props - use of books, toys, videos and music all help create an atmosphere of fun and enjoyment which is so essential.
5.) Time it right - Try repeating the process every hour for 2 to 4 minutes. If you can do this close to times your child usually has a bowel movement or urination, such as just after a meal, even better.
6.) Be prepared - If you are traveling or away from home, bring a folding, plastic adapter ring that fits onto an adult toilet seat is useful. Extra tissue and wipes will be useful in bathrooms that are short on supplies.
7.) Give praise - give you child social praise for sitting on the potty patiently or for staying dry. If the potty routine is successful, consider some reward (e.g. special prize, book or foods) that are especially valued.
8.) Show your child how to clean up - demonstrate how to wash hands and dry hands on a towel.

Remember that training you child takes patience and perseverance. Staying on task and being consistent send an important message to your child. Above all, dont let your child feel forced. Its important to keep the whole experience fun and enjoyable for the best results.

Jacqueline Courtiol, M.A. Ed. is a veteran teacher, mother and business owner. She is the founder of http://www.coliccalm.com a pediatrician recommended natural homeopathic remedy for relief of infant colic and gas. More information can be found at http://www.coliccalm.com/baby_infant_newborn_articles/baby_colic_treatment.htm

By Susanne Myers

1. Is My Child Ready? You want to start potty training at just the right time. You will know that your child is ready when he or she gets more interested in you going to the potty, tells you right away when the diaper is wet or pulls on it and seems uncomfortable with it. Give potty training a try, if your child doesnt seem ready despite the signs, wait a few weeks and try again.

2. Am I Ready? Just as important as your child being ready is that you are ready. Prepare yourself mentally for the transition from diaper to potty for your child. You will need a lot of patience and understanding. There are going to be resentment, tears and the occasional accident. Make sure you are prepared for this so you can stay calm and supportive for your child.

3. Do We Need A Potty Chair? A regular toilet is very intimidating for a child. The seat is rather large and your child will have to hold on to avoid falling in. In addition 'things' vanish in there when you flash - which can be a pretty scary thought for your child. Many kids are more comfortable with a potty chair at first. After a few weeks you should be able to move on to a potty seat insert that fits on your regular toilet eliminating the potty cleanup.

4. Should We Use A Potty Doll? A potty doll is not a necessity when it comes to potty training, but can be a great tool. A potty doll will pee like an actual child and usually comes with diapers, panties and a potty chair. The doll can help tremendously during the pre-potty training phase when you are getting your child used to the idea of going in the potty instead of the diaper. You can illustrate whats supposed to happen on the doll and let your child warm up to the idea by playing with the doll in the same fashion. When you are ready to potty train, put the doll on the potty right next to your child.

5. Should We Use Potty Training Rewards? Before you start potty training, you should decide if you are going to use some sort of rewards as encouragement for your child, or if you will simply make your child feel great about his successes by being his cheer leader. Simple potty training rewards can include stickers, candy like a few jellybeans or M&Ms, or you can use some sort of tracking chart for bigger rewards (i.e. If you use the potty for an entire week without accident, you get a small toy). Using simple rewards can be a great potty training tool, but it isnt by any means necessary as long as you get the message across to your child that you are proud of him.

Take a few minutes to answer these potty training questions for yourself and go over them with your spouse as well to ensure you are on the same page before you start potty training your child. It will help you give your child a clear picture of what you are both trying to accomplish and will cut down on any confusion.

For more information about potty training, potty training tips and a free ecourse to help you potty train your child visit http://www.mypottytraining.com