By Jennifer Strain Ah, the joys of potty training. After what seemed like years of dirty diapers I decided my child was ready to be potty trained. It would be a piece of cake right? After all, they make it look so easy on t.v. Just a few days of easy coaching then voila, your child is sporting the newest super hero underwear. Boy was I mislead! My first step was to find the appropriate toddler attire. By now diapers were too tight and training pants were a hassle. After many exhausting days I decided to go with the 'bare' essentials. In other words I only dressed my child from the waist up. It worked great at home, but outings became a little scary. Ever wonder why the once sociable mothers drop from sight? You can safely bet they're potty training. My next step was potty shopping. After seeing the wide-eyed, terrified look on my toddler's face when he looked at the toilet I knew I had to find him a smaller, friendlier version. The first potty I brought home was rejected completely. He accepted the second one, not as a potty though. He transformed it into a miniature toy box. After days of negotiation my toddler and I agreed on a potty, and after a few weeks I even got him to sit on it! Nineteen months and numerous bottles of aspirin later my child is finally potty trained. I now feel I could do anything. What's next, teaching him how to tie his shoelaces? Piece of cake...right?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: I am a Army spouse, and the mother of two bundles of inspiration. They keep me on my toes and keep me laughing. | 
