You are here  3 Easy Stages: A Guide to Potty Training  Your
toddler has turned 2 and suddenly visions start filling your
head: You see yourself taking a trip without a diaper bag. You
look in the closet and imagine two cubic feet of extra space (no
diapers!). She suddenly looks several pounds slimmer (no
diapers!). Your wallet is fatter (no diapers!).  Yes, all those
wonderful things will come to pass  -- but potty training won't
happen overnight. It may not even happen within the next year.
But it will  -- eventually  -- happen.  This method has three
stages  -- telling, showing, and trying  -- and each one has its
own theme, steps, and skills to master. Be patient and don't
rush your child, as hard as that may sometimes seem. If you
introduce each stage gradually instead (and in order), you'll
avoid confusing her and possibly turning her off. The telling
and showing stages may overlap, but trying to use the potty
should definitely follow the first two. Your child must know
what you expect before she can tr