For the potty-practice method, parents teach toddlers age eighteen months or older the readiness skills in Chapter 2. They provide a very gradual introduction to the potty, present basic lessons about bowel movements and urination, and hold regular potty practice sessions. During potty practice sessions tots sit on the potty at scheduled times, relax, and handle assorted chores, such as undressing, wiping, dressing, removing the potty bowl, emptying it into the toilet, flushing, replacing the potty bowl, washing hands, etc. Because potty practice sessions can be held to fit busy schedules, this method is workable for most families. Most of the time is spent on the area toddlers find most challenging: sitting still and relaxing.

Scheduled Practices Are Important

Modern families often exist in a state of chaos with no fixed time for anything, but toddlers do better with routines. Holding regularly scheduled potty practices can seem too taxing, but they can help regulate your child's system. It is worth the effort to ensure that your child eats, sleeps, exercises, and uses the potty at the same times every day. You could end up with not only a potty-trained child, but a calmer, happier family.

Stay Flexible

If your child catches on quickly and is highly self-motivated, there is no need to plod on through the program and continue to hold lots of potty practices. Consider switching to the potties-without-pressure method described in Chapter 7. On the other hand, to speed things up you might try some techniques from the fast-track toddler method described in Chapter 7. Stay flexible!