If you have a toddler between 18 and 24 months of age, you probably began to think about potty training at some point with a feeling of dread. Asking yourself the same questions, every other parent is asking. Reading, the same articles that pop up on the web through the search engines. And finally, listening to all the suggestions parents, grandparents, family and friends have to offer. When you reach that point of initially beginning potty training, you realize that the process is between you and your precious child.
Most toddlers between the ages of 18 and 24 months are physically and mentally ready for potty training; although some children are not ready until 3 years of age or even 4. Your child will let you know through his physical, behavioral, and cognitive signs when he is ready to be potty trained, but you will need to make a plan to decide when to start, the steps you will take, how to handle accidents, and when to back up with less pressure. One of the first things you do in preparation for potty training is decide whether to use a potty chair or adapt the toilet seat for your little Princess. There are many styles of potty 
chairs to delight your child as they learn the art of potty training. You will find unique designer potty chairs that entice the child, to chairs making music when the child successfully does their job. The many styles for your Prince or Princess’ potty chair might be all wooden hand painted with a cute design or all plastic in bright colors to a smaller cushion toilet seat to fit over the regular toilet. The final choice is up to you.
Over the past several weeks, I noticed my granddaughter stopping and squatting at times, or reaching down to grab herself, showing an awareness of urinating. We began to talk about those times by giving ‘the feeling’ a name. I decided to bring home the Girls Potty Chair, with toilet paper holder and magazine rack, which will later convert to a rocking chair. 
I had the idea that as I modeled the use of the toilet, I would place my granddaughter, 19 months old, on her potty chair at the same time. I spent a little time talking with her about her new chair in the bathroom and we practiced using it without any results, which was okay; after all, this was only an introduction. But, consistency with the potty chair while she was visiting with me on my part fell to the wayside. We seem to always be on the go, with very little time to dedicate to the potty training process.
One afternoon Miley became very quiet while playing with her toys. We all know this is a sign to investigate! I found her in the bathroom trying to use her potty chair all by herself. She had managed to pull her pants down, off one foot and struggling to pull the tab on her diaper. When she finally succeeded with the diaper, it was already wet. But she sat on her potty chair and began to clap for herself saying “Yea!!” She was so proud of herself. All this time, I had been hiding outside the bathroom door, sneaking peaks wishing for the camera. As I walked into the bathroom, she became even more excited with her accomplishment by showing me everything she had done. After we redressed her, she practiced putting her baby doll on and off the potty. She continues to play with her potty chair sitting on it herself, as well as her doll. Miley wants to do everything by herself, including dressing herself.
Through this creative playtime, Miley demonstrates her independence as well as shows signs of physically and behaviorally ready for potty training by removing her own clothing, maybe not quickly enough; but she definitely has determination. She knows when she needs to go to the bathroom; consequently, the cognitive signs are there. Also, she doesn’t like having a wet or dirty diaper anymore because she wants to change it as soon as necessary. After a few days of consistency with the same adult, I believe Miley could master the potty training process. At this time, she has too many caregivers on different days and nights for the regularity that she needs to be successful. When starting the potty training process, concentrate on daytime control; using a pull-up, or diaper, for nap and nighttime. Nighttime control usually comes about six months after daytime control.
Patience, perseverance, and respecting your child's abilities are all important for helping him or her to be toilet trained. Getting upset about an accident won’t accomplish any thing. Penalizing your toddler if she’s not interested in potty training, won’t sit on the potty, or has any of the other common problems kids have while potty training is futile. Setbacks are natural, and scolding will only make her less interested in training because she’ll be afraid any mistakes will upset you. If you can, respond to messes and other challenges calmly; and if you can’t, bite your tongue, count to ten, then try again.
The following video on You Tube grabs children's attention to teach them a song about learning to go Potty. Go Potty Go
