Potty training. Most parents don't look forward to this part of child rearing. Even though it certainly isn't fun, it doesn't have to be a nightmare.

Potty training usually starts around ages 2 or 3. Generally speaking, though each child is different, girls usually start sooner, and boys usually start later. Some signals that your child is ready to start potty training includes the following:

* Pulling on their clothes
* Signaling that their diaper is dirty
* Crossing legs or holding their crotch area

One potty training tip that can be of immense help is one that most parents don't even think about. Try letting your child accompany you in the bathroom and watch you use the toilet. This way, the child will see that "even mommy does it". This will go a long way towards alleviating their anxiety or fears. Below are a few more potty training tips that you can use when the time has come:

* Potty training tip #1 - Let the child help pick out their pull-ups, if you plan to use them

* Potty training tip #2- Use a potty training book for interactive learning

* Potty training tip #3 - Get your child a small potty especially for them to use in the bathroom; this makes potty training less intimidating

* Potty training tip #4 - Give your child proper instructions on using their special potty

* Potty training tip #5 - Use visual aids for motivation, like a potty training chart

Potty training charts are also of immense help. A potty training chart is a chart of progress for a child, and works as a type of reward system (positive reinforcement). Potty training charts are used by daycare providers and child psychologists. You can put your child's name on the potty training chart, and use a smiley face sticker for each time that your child is successful in going to the potty. Potty training charts come in different sizes, with lots of colors and different characters. Using a potty training chart helps you involve your child in their potty training in a way that is fun for them.

Another potty training tip that parents sometimes fail to use is getting the child familiar with the potty, even if that means sitting on it and doing nothing. Just being familiar with the act of sitting on the potty will help stop the battles that can sometimes occur during potty training.

Here is the ultimate potty training tip: Don't yell or punish your child if they have an accident. This will only lead to regression with whatever progress you've made up until that point. If the child feels pressure, it will be harder for them to use the potty when they are supposed to. Conversely, if you get overly excited when they do go, they may also regress, feeling pressure to please mom or dad.

Unfortunately, you will probably be potty training your child when they are in the "terrible twos", that is, when they are most inclined to challenge your authority as a parent. It is very important not to give in to this kind of behavior and let it escalate into a battle. If this happens, the process of potty training will be very slow. So keep your cool work with your child and make sure that your child is familiar with the potty before you begin.