When your smiles and applause begin to lose their charm, a little treat can sometimes spark motivation. Regardless of which treat or reward you choose, be sure to stock up in advance!

• Stickers to affix to a wall chart, calendar, or even to the potty itself. Print out a free chart from www.ablebaby.com or photocopy one from Appendix B.

• A coin to drop in the piggy bank or home gumball machine.

• A chance to select a wrapped gift from a basket grab-bag style.

• A small toy. Hot Wheels are a favorite.

• An M&M or small candy. Though motivating kids with junk food really is not a good idea, for some youngsters a sweet treat is the only reward that really works.

Children are often ambivalent about the potty because they lose the special, undivided attention they used to get during diaper changes. To make up for the loss of these precious moments and to reward potty successes, read a book, play a game of pat-a-cake, or sing “Itsy-Bitsy Spider” afterward.