Ah, Potty Training... Remember what your parents continually said to you growing up? Be Patient! Patience and praise is what helped me through this memorable time. Some days everything will go smooth and you'll think you and your child will have mastered it. Then some days all your hard work and effort feels lost, but don't worry. A child will eventually become potty trained.

Let you child be your best guidance. Only your child can tell you, not in words but through a variety of behaviours, that he or she is ready. If they feel overwhelmed, slow down. There is no rush and no time frame for them achieve this.

I believe that children thrive on praise and positive feedback. One way to reduce the stress and anxiety of potty training is to make it a positive experience. The best reward for good behavior is parental approval. Telling your toddler that he or she has done something good instills confidence and is a powerful motivator.

A toddler is generally ready to potty train between the ages of 18 months and 3 years of age. Signs that a toddler is ready:

• Your toddler can stay dry for a few hours at a time
• Your toddler is able to tell you that they have to go potty
• Your toddler indicates they are aware they need to go potty
• Your toddler indicates independence or an interest in using the potty

No matter how old your toddler is, understanding when he or she is truly ready to begin the steps towards potty training will ensure that this development milestone is just as memorable and enjoyable as all the others. Like the first words and first steps, leading a toddler to a potty is only possible when a toddler is ready.