When He's Ready

• Can your child tell you when his diaper is dirty? Does he go to a private place to have a bowel movement? Does he show interest in using the potty? Is he able to stay dry for a two- or three-hour period during the day? Does he wake up from his nap with a dry diaper? If the answers to most of these questions are yes, then it's time to begin potty training. If he doesn't show signs of readiness, never force him to use the potty or rush him through the process. This will only traumatize him and make it much more difficult, so follow your child's lead.
  
  

Learn the Basics

• Now that your child is ready, it's time to show him the ropes. Put a potty seat in the bathroom as well as a sticker chart or candy reward system such as M&M's in a jar. Show your child his new potty seat and reward system and explain that every time he goes potty he will get a sticker or candy. Every time he goes potty, clap and praise him, and follow through with his reward. Have your child sit on the potty for a few minutes several times each day so he gets used to going to the bathroom throughout the day, but give rewards only when he actually goes potty. If your child is scared of the toilet, cries, or refuses to go potty, he is probably not ready and you should try again in a month or so.
  
  

Get Rid of the Diapers

• If your child is comfortable going on the potty, ditch the diapers. Ask your child if he is ready to wear big kid underwear. Invest in training underwear and vinyl covers. Training underwear is padded cotton underwear that absorbs moisture, and vinyl covers go over the underwear to prevent leaks. Let your child wear his new underwear around the house for a couple of days. This is the best way for him to feel when he is wet or dirty. You hope he won't like the feeling and will be encouraged to use the potty. Be prepared to deal with accidents, and never get frustrated or angry with him for wetting his pants.
  
  

Nighttime Bed-wetting

• Don't stress about nighttime bed-wetting, because it may last for weeks, months or even years after your child is daytime potty-trained. Use a mattress protector or disposable pants until your child is able to stay dry all night. Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep at night and is not overstimulated before bedtime. If he is overtired or overstimulated, he falls into a deeper sleep and is less likely to wake up when his body tells him he needs to go potty.
  
  

Celebrate

• Once your child can consistently go potty during the day, celebrate his accomplishment. Have a mini-party with family and friends. This will further encourage him and make him feel like a big kid.