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There is a fast method and a slow method, and different children require different time schedules.  Either way, a few key ideas to keep in mind:

? Diapers impede potty training because they do such a great job of disguising wetness and discomfort.  Moisture shields and absorbency are great - until its time to potty train.  This is why less developed countries are able to potty train earlier and faster.  A child wrapped in cotton cloth feels wet immediately.  A child running around without a diaper sees and feels what's happening immediately. 

? Rewards work well, while punishment is not a good idea.  Positive rewards can be as simple as hugs, cheers, stickers placed on a calendar, or playing or singing a special song.  

If you’d like more strategies, check out our book, “Parent’s Guide to Potty Training Your Child”.  As if anyone else besides a parent would take on this task!  The book spells out the slow steps and the fast steps for training.  We also provide a DVD, ”How-To’s for Parents: Helping Your Child Learn Potty Training”.  The DVD is a documentary of real children learning this important behavioral change.   The DVD and accompanying book have useful ideas about educating children and changing their behavior in a positive manner.  

Because the methods you use to train your child can have far-reaching results, I encourage you to hear from some experts on this subject and consult your pediatrician. If your child is not trained by age five, you need professional help. 

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