Don’t ever punish your child for potty failure. Self-esteem is crucial to the process and if you complain about accidents, there will be fewer attempts to succeed for fear of letting you down and upsetting you. Don’t ever, ever give laxatives, enemas or any other form of artificial stimulant to ease your own frustrations if your child decides to hold it in because he isn’t sure about defecating in the new potty chair. These kinds of things aren’t even recommended without a doctor’s supervision and your child learns nothing about impulse control, not to mention it could be harmful to your child.
Don’t nag. Is there really any situation where nagging is beneficial? The easy-going attitude is the best one to have while potty training, Just the occasional mention of the potty chair and what it’s there for will do after the you feel the concept is somewhat established. When you are going to the restroom you could invite them along.
Don’t expect too much right away. On average a child takes several weeks to be fully trained. However there are always exceptions. Your child may not take as long or could even take longer.
Don’t make toilet learning a moral issue. There is no good or bad in toilet learning, only ready and not ready. Whether he or she goes potty in the chair or has an accident, comment on the act, not the child. If there are accidents, and there will be, the less that is said, the better for your child.
Always remember throughout the process to keep a positive attitude and a forgiving nature. After all, it’s not the end of the world if you have to change 20 more diapers or training pants (11,975) in order to build a life free from the changing table!