ditching diapers! a

re you bracing yourself for the big day? Or counting down the days until you get there? Maybe a little bit of both? Or maybe you’ve dabbled in it a little and waved the white flag in surrender. What exactly am I referring to, you might ask?

Potty training! You’ve been knee-deep in diapers for a few years now and perhaps dreamed of how amazing it will be to go diaper free ... but to be honest, the process of getting there can be quite the task—both for you and your child! Children need to be ready for potty training to stick and be successful, so here are a few tips to help get you on your way.

Wait for the right time. Just as children walk and talk at different ages, the same can be said for potty training. There is no specific age, but more a timeline of possibility, when your child might be ready. As a general rule, most children are ready between the ages of 18 months and 3 years. “Don’t start potty training until your child is ready. Every child is different, and it is easy to get caught up in the comparison game” Kathleen Russell, Overland Park mom of three, wisely shares. “Your child will give you cues when he is ready—telling you when he’s gone to the bathroom in his diaper, asking to have a diaper change or showing signs of interest in sitting on the toilet.”

Have the right equipment. Before beginning potty training, have the right gear. You will need a child-sized potty or a potty seat that fits on your toilet, training pants or underwear, and wipes or toilet paper. Some people opt for flushable wipes, but beware— any plumber will tell you those are a little tough on your household plumbing. Build the excitement a bit, too, by letting your child pick a fun potty seat or underwear or buy some fun smelly or colorful soap to wash hands with after. Also, if you are considering a reward system to encourage your child, you will want to stock up on stickers or treats too.

Demonstrate and explain. Children learn by example, so it is important to demonstrate how to use the potty. Let your child watch you (since he follows you into the bathroom all the time anyway!), and you explain in simple terms what you are doing. Older siblings can sometimes be helpful here too, as well as books and videos or even demonstrating with your tot’s favorite stuffy what to do.

Give it a go. Once you have decided on the day for potty training, clear your calendar. It is hard to be consistent and help your child be successful if you’re out running errands everywhere, so plan to be at home for a few days to encourage the process. Some people opt for letting their child run around naked, placing a potty seat in a main living area, or utilizing a potty watch or visual timer. Whatever method you decide on, know there is not one right way. You just need to stay consistent and positive. If you have a cando attitude, chances are your tot will too. Start the morning by letting your child don a fresh new pair of undies. Make sure he is drinking plenty of liquid and consider employing something like a potty watch that will alert your child when it is time to try. While this is fun, it also alleviates you from being the bad guy who is making your child go potty.

Encourage and praise. Potty training can be challenging, so it is important to encourage and praise your child throughout the process. Use positive reinforcement, such as praise or a small reward, to motivate your child to use the potty. Make sure to celebrate even small successes, such as sitting on the potty or being dry. Melissa Lambert, Overland Park mom of three, recalls some good advice she received: “The best advice I got was to reward for dry undies when they go into the bathroom. Some people reward only when the child actually goes potty, but because you are typically going in the bathroom every 15 minutes or so, they don’t always need to go each time. I found rewarding for being dry was a huge celebration and encouragement for them too!”

Arm yourself with a lot of patience— and maybe a reward for yourself too! Potty training can be a frustrating and messy process, but it is important to be patient and know that accidents will happen. Avoid scolding or punishing your child, but calmly clean up the mess and encourage your child to try again next time. If you notice your child is having more accidents than not, you can decide to table potty training for a few days or weeks, so your child doesn’t feel frustrated. Just because you started doesn’t mean you have to keep going if it isn’t working!

Encourage independence. Potty training is a big step toward independence, so it is important to encourage your child to take ownership of the process. Encourage your child to pull down her pants, sit on the potty and wipe herself. This will help build confidence and self-esteem.

Though potty training may feel stressful and like something you may never make it through, rest assured most children don’t go to kindergarten in diapers. Take a deep breath, gear up and good luck!

Julie Collett writes from Overland Park where she is living proof you can come out on the other side of potty training somewhat unscathed!

Keep in mind, what worked for one of your children may not work for another ... and that is OK! We have four children, and each one of them potty trained so differently. Both of our daughters decided on their own they were done wearing diapers. We had talked about potty training and purchased fun undies, but it really wasn’t on my radar. Until it was. They each literally came in one day wearing underwear and refused to put a diaper on. I can remember looking at my husband and saying, “Well, this wasn’t on my agenda for today.” But isn’t that just so typical of parenting!