Although children are continuously rewarded when they cooperate and must not be punished in any way, this program is very strict. Being strict is different from getting angry and punishing, however. Try to decide in advance whether you will have the patience to manage the situation calmly, yet firmly, if your child resists.

You may have to steer your youngster to the potty and apply gentle pressure to get him to sit down if he won't comply voluntarily. Even if you are guiding a balky youngster back to the potty and sitting him down for the tenth time in two minutes, you must not lose patience or use more force than absolutely necessary, no matter that you are very frustrated. Instead, you must give continuous feedback and praise. For instance, say, “Good boy! You are going to the bathroom,” as you steer him there, and, “Yes, you are sitting down, that's good!” as you apply light pressure to his shoulders. If your child does not comply with an instruction, act as though he simply didn't understand you, even if you think he is being stubborn.

You must also be careful to give only one instruction at a time. Never issue a second instruction until your child completes the first. Provide lots of praise, hugs, pats, and smiles when he is learning something new or doing something difficult. However, praise becomes meaningless, even offensive, when given for something that posed no challenge. So drop back to a smile or nod when your child complies readily or is doing something easy. Continue to praise your child for having dry pants. Keeping them dry may remain a challenge for him for quite some time.