Ways to Potty Train a Toddler

Relaxed Approach

• According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it is best to approach potty training with a relaxed attitude. In "The Everything Potty Training Book," Linda Sonna, Ph.D., says a more hands-off approach can be ideal for busy families, and independent learning may help children develop self-confidence. The downside, of course, is that your child may be in diapers for a long time.

  According to Dr. Sonna, the "Potties-Without-Pressure" method involves getting your child's permission to proceed with each step of toilet training. Begin by letting your child get comfortable sitting on the potty while wearing a diaper, and only remove the diaper when your child agrees to sit bare-bottomed. Ask your child if she would like to use the potty, and ask permission to remind her every hour. Dr. Sonna says parents should not push their children when using this method. If your child doesn't want to go to the potty, drop the subject. When he does go, Dr. Sonna says parents should act pleased but not overly happy to avoid placing pressure on him to go again.

Quick Methods

• Quick potty training methods have also become popular with busy families. Dr. Phil McGraw suggests a method for potty training a toddler in less than one day. To use this method, have your child pretend to potty train a doll, and have a party for the doll once it uses the potty. Dr. Phil recommends putting your child in underwear and offering plenty of fluids. Try to get your child to use the potty, and when he has an accident have him sit on the potty to remind him where he is supposed to go. The book "Toilet Training in Less Than a Day," by Nathan Azrin and Richard Foxx, also offers instructions for quick potty training.

  Dr. Sonna warns that fast potty training methods are not for everyone. You must be able to remain calm and patient throughout the process to avoid traumatizing your child, and your child must be able to stay dry for several hours during the day, follow instructions and imitate others.

Guided Practice Method

• If you don't want to let your child to be in charge, but the quick methods seem too intense for you, patiently guiding your child through potty training may be your best bet. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends choosing a child-sized potty and switching your toddler from diapers to training pants. Take your child to the potty when you think she needs to go. If she has an accident and tells you about it, the AAP suggests that you praise her for noticing her bodily functions, and ask her to tell you sooner next time.

  The AAP recommends backing off for a while if your child is fearful or very resistant to potty training, and reminds parents that children have little control over the release of their bladder or bowel movements until they are at least 18 months old.