Potty Training

Don't start to actively potty train your child until the age of two unless you get very strong signals that your child wants to.

If she loses interest, don't persist - you'll only get frustrated. In fact, the later you leave it, the easier it's likely to be.

How do you start training your child and remain sane? 

Before you intend to start toilet training, introduce the idea slowly in various different ways.

Put a potty in the bathroom and occasionally tell her what it's there for. Let her play with the potty and allow her to sit on it if she wants to. She may even produce something - probably by chance! If she does, give her praise and encouragement but don't go over the top and don't pester her if she doesn't give a repeat performance.

Talk to your toddler while changing her nappy - tell her what you've found. Occasionally take her with you when you visit the loo. Tell her what you're doing and let her flush the toilet.

Buy throwaway trainer pants around the age of 18 months, and show them to your child.

Allow her to run around without a nappy in a place where accidents won't matter. This shows your child what comes from her - which is often a complete revelation!