1) There isn’t a way to potty train! There is not 1 magic method or tact that works at a certain age or with every kid! This is just hints and tricks.

2) Go with your instincts! You are the parent and know everyone in the situation best!

3) At about 2 years old, put out the potty chair if you are going to use one. They get curious;).

4) Wait for the kids to show some sort of interest before you get serious. This isn’t a die hard rule but a good rule of thumb. I have heard of kids developing potty issues when they are rushed! This doesn’t mean you can’t try it, just don’t demand. No matter what we want, we can not actually make a child use the toilet.

5) Spring/Summer is a great time to potty train! It is warmer so they can run around in undies. And when there are accidents there is just physically less clothes to wash! And you can send them outside so if there are accidents they aren’t on your couch;).

6) One popular tact is the all in theory. Usually a 3 day model is effective. It means you toss all you diapers and go straight undies. Plan on being home at least 3 days straight!

7) Another popular tact is the gradual. First set up times to try every day. A firm schedule on this helps! I usually schedule them around sleep and food. So when they get up, go to the bathroom. When they wash up to eat, try going to the bathroom. Focus first on the trying then the actually going! Our rewards started with letting them wear pull ups so they didn’t have to lay down and get changed.

8) Bribery works! But be thoughtful. Food can be good but consider if that is a path you want to go down. We also would change what the reward was worth;). Once they master one thing make them perform more for the same reward. Once my youngest could stay dry all day she no longer got 1 gummy bear every time she peed. Then she had to poop to get a gummy bear.

9) Age and potty training varies by kid. Boys tend to potty train later and with more effort than girls. It isn’t always true but often is. But just because 1 girl was interested at 25 months doesn’t mean the next girl will.

10) With out other factors, kids don’t go to kindergarten in diapers. Chill!!! It will happen eventually;).

My goal as a parent is to have self sufficient kids, preferably by high school so we can test out those adult powers before they leave;). But how do you get a child from toddler to responsible? Not over night!

Chores and responsibilities are not something I usually reward on but growth I do! Here is a way to help your kids grow and at the same time, lighten the load on you too!

1)Pick 3 age appropriate chores/responsibilities that you would like your kids to have.

2) Find a reward. This will take about 1 month to fully earn or monetary pay out every week.

3)Make or print a daily chart. You can get templates here and you can even get some from Chuck E. Cheese that you can turn in for tokens!

4)Create a reward/even/loss statistics. For example if you have 16 checks nothing happens good or bad. If you have more than 16 you get your reward and if you have less than 16, there will be a consequence.

5)Make sure you demonstrate each chore/responsibility exactly as you expect it to be done!

6)Go for a month! After that, the 3 chores become part of your expectations and you get 3 new chores to learn!

These chores can be anything from throwing away the dirty napkins after dinner, brushing their own teeth or hair, or mowing the lawn. You shouldn’t have to remind them to do the chores if they are to get a reward!