For this week, I’m taking Free Tip Friday to a new realm. This advice donation is about helping parents with potty training tips from a 25-year veteran childcare provider. I’ve held onto this draft for a few years, waiting for the correct moment. I currently care for ‘potty-trainee’s’ who are blessed with parents who are doing a wonderful job in this child-rearing arena. I could not ask for better cooperation and so in no way is this article for them 🙂 But I can tell you we all have made mistakes in raising our children so take my wisdom at face value. I have no ulterior motive in sharing these tidbits. I hope you enjoy!

• Please don’t leave your child alone during pottying. They can give you some of the most insightful moments of your child’s life. There’s something about bathrooms and conversations. Girls, just ask your sister. Besides, they shouldn’t be left alone anyway. What if the dreaded worst happened??
• Do not give your child Polyethylene Glycol (petroleum based laxative) if you want them to have success ‘holding it’ til they can tell you they need to go. Click here (or look it up yourself) on the risks of using these from pretty reputable sources. I can testify first hand that there is a link to behavior and the use of these products. Before I go on and on, just do your homework. Your children are worth it! NONE of them can be replaced.
• Children don’t Have to have a bm every day. Ask your health professional if you don’t believe me.
• It certainly helps if they will tell you they need to go. Language skills or even hand signals are a good sign they are ready to work on potty training.
• Its not mandatory tho. Just try actually watching them. Novel idea for certain parents with attachment to gadgets
• Incentives help. Sometimes whatever works in desperation. Just wash hands before rewarding treats, please. Yours And Theirs.
• Rushing can backfire. Once you commit to trying to potty train, don’t back down. Be patient and celebrates small victories
• It takes everyone involved to work on it. Not just during the day at the child’s daycare even tho they are often there 10 hours of the day.
• Alert!!They are onto you if you’re not really trying
• Keep it light hearted and not too serious. In the words of mothers and grandmothers everywhere,You get further with sugar than with vinegar. 

Just a few points to ponder for one of the most frustrating times for young parents.