Potty Time!

Yep. It's that time again. The time you have dreaded for months now. All your mommy friends are talking about their latest potty adventures and the peer pressure is getting to you. You knew this time would come, but why now?

Hayden and Lily were not the easiest kids in the world to potty train, but somehow, after many accidents, pull-ups and thrown-away undies, your children finally grasped the concept of going in the potty.

"Whew! Glad that's over," you say with a smile.

Little did you know a new little life was developing in your womb. And this bambino would soon grow up to be a tiny tot in need of Potty Training 101. Before you have another anxiety-filled panic attack, try out these helpful potty training tips from a pro potty-training mama!

1. Down with Pull-ups! Though these are very convenient and provide easier clean-ups, they slow the potty-training process. Dress your child in underwear and let him feel when he goes. He will not like being wet and will quickly learn the consequences of not getting to the potty in time. Pull-ups are nothing more than an easy on and off diaper. Your little tyke is smart enough to know this as well.
2. Be Consistent. Never start potty-training until you are willing to take the time necessary to accomplish the task at hand. Don't begin potty-training then quit for two days. It needs to be a daily routine of learning until the skill is established.
3. Clear your schedule. Pick a week that is not busy for you and potty-train then. Devote your energy, creativity and time to this milestone in toddlerhood. Your hard work will pay off more quickly if you stick to it!
4. Praise! Praise! Praise! After each successful potty time, clap your hands, sing a song and get the whole family involved. This is a new victory for your little one. Celebrate it!
5. Reward. Grab a couple of bags of gummy bears, M & Ms or whatever treats you think your little one will enjoy. Reward him after each successful bathroom visit. Potty-training will become exciting instantaneously!
6. Sit and wait. For the first few days of training, it will take time for your tyke-in-training to realize what you are wanting him to do. Place him on the potty and wait. Bring special books and toys. Sing songs and play games. Bring sippee cups to aid in the process. Turn on the spigot so he can hear the sound of rushing water. Grab a stool to sit on…and wait. Don't rush your child. Just wait, listen and watch. Sometimes it takes 30 minutes or an hour for your toddler to potty the first time. So, prepare for a long couple of days. Don't worry, it will get easier!
7. Strategize. In the beginning of potty-training, you really want to strategize potty visits. Just like adults, the first thing tiny tots should do when they wake up is visit the bathroom. As your little one begins to stir in the morning, take him immediately to the toilet. Immediately after nap, take him to the potty. Meals are also a prime time for potty time. After breakfast, lunch and dinner, run your child to the potty.
8. Color the water. Before your little one comes to the potty, add a couple of drops of food-coloring to the toilet water. When he urinates, the water will change color. Show him the results! This will also help you determine if he really did use the bathroom and your child will enjoy seeing the water change color.
9. Boys, boys, boys. It is true that boys can be more difficult to train. To add some fun to the potty-training routine, throw some Cheerios into the water and let him try to aim and shoot them. Boys love target practice!
10. Train on a regular toilet. Forget the adorable, cutesy, music-playing kid toilets. Start on the family toilet that everyone uses. Though it is larger than your child, there will be no need to face this transition later on. Some children develop a fear of the normal toilet if not introduced to it at an early age. If you are at a restaurant, traveling or at a relatives house, your child will always be able to use the toilet. Other people do not cater to kid potty chairs, so prepare for the outside world!

Feel free to let me know how your potty training adventures are going!