At Sierra Summit we use a very successful three level training system beginning with diapering and continuing through successful dry days. At the time your child shows signs of readiness we will sit down and make a success plan with you. Following is information that is helpful and fun when thinking of toileting your child. More information can be found on the Pampers webpage.

Step-by-Step Potty Training
By: Lawrence Kutner, Ph.D. (from the Pampers Webpage)

Potty training is one of the major accomplishments of early childhood. But before your child can master it, he has to be both biologically and emotionally ready. First, some perspective for frazzled parents: Every healthy child is successfully potty trained. In the long run, the age at which she masters these particular skills doesn't matter. It's not a reflection of your skills as a parent or your love for her. Doing it earlier doesn't mean she's smarter or more coordinated or will get into an Ivy League school.

But if you start potty training before your child is biologically and emotionally ready, you're both going to become frustrated and upset. It will also drag out the process because it's likely to turn into a battle of wills-a battle that parents never win. That's why it's a good idea to know the signs that she's probably going to be successful before you start.

Most children become potty trained between 18 and 30 months. However, some children still struggle with the skills when they're 4 years old. But if you look closely, your child will tell you with her behavior that she's probably ready to begin. For example:

• Does she have bowel movements at a fairly predictable time? Does she let you know through words or behaviors that she's aware that she's having one?
• Can she pull down and pull up her pants?
• Does she show an interest in the bathroom and what other people do in it?
• Can she walk over to and sit down on the potty by herself?
• Has she started saying "No!" to you? Does she like to have at least some of her toys in certain special places? This shows that she's interested in controlling things in her environment.
• Does she know what "wet" and "dry" mean?
• Does she respond to praise and want to please you?

A Toddler's Bill of Rights: The Potty Proclamation
By: Lawrence Kutner, Ph.D. (from the Pampers Webpage)

1. Please let me go at my own pace. Help me, but don't push me to do things before I'm ready.
2. Please understand that I have accidents and make mistakes. Remember that everyone has accidents as they learn. I'm not doing it on purpose.
3. Please understand that I will do things differently than other children. I have my own style. Don't expect me to be the same as other children you know.
4. Please praise me for my efforts, not just my successes. Sometimes it will take awhile for me to "get it." What's important is that I'm trying. I'll get there!
5. Please understand when I become frustrated. I really want to be able to do the things big kids can do, even though my body won't always let me. Please be patient and understanding when this happens.
6. Please understand when I am suspicious of plumbing. Toilets and drains are big and noisy and scary. I need to know that they won't hurt me.
7. Please let me take a break when things are stressful. I can't always learn something new when there are big changes in my life, such as a move to a new home or the birth of a baby. At times like these, please understand if I need additional support and have to relearn skills you thought I had already mastered.
8. Please understand when I am concerned about what happens to my body. Everything about my body, even my potty, is important to me. I need to know what happens after I flush the potty.
9. Please understand if I giggle and act like a child. After all, I'm just a kid. Sometimes I get overwhelmed.
10. Please explain things to me in ways I can understand. Sometimes I can't make sense of the things people say. Help me by using words that I feel comfortable with and can understand.

Tinkle, Tinkle Little Star
(To the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle)
Tinkle, tinkle you're the star.
You're a big girl (boy); yes, you are.
Use the potty; yes, you can
Then you know to wash your hands
Tinkle, tinkle you're the star.
You're a big girl (boy); yes, you are.
Tinkle, tinkle you're the star.
You're a big girl (boy); yes, you are.
No more diapers. No more mess.
Use the potty. Yea! Success!
Tinkle, tinkle you're the star.
You're a big girl (boy); yes, you are.
Tinkle, tinkle you're the star.
You're a big girl (boy); yes, you are.
Use the potty; wash your hands
Wear the big girl (boy) training pants
Tinkle, tinkle you're the star.
You're a big girl (boy); yes, you are.