The two things you really need most right now — a ready and willing child and a positive mental attitude — cannot be bought in a store. Unfortunately, there's not much that can be done about the former. Some youngsters delight in new experiences and eagerly embrace change, while others cling to tried-and-true habits and routines, and are very reluctant to let them go. What you can do something about is your attitude. Fortunately, that is not as difficult as it might seem.

Since your child will in fact be potty trained, the question really is not whether or not you will achieve your final goal, but how. The following chapters describe very different methods. Whichever you choose, promise yourself that come what may, you will remain committed to enjoying the time you spend with your child. If you keep that promise, you will have the most valuable potty training aid of all.