As soon as your kid is ready. You’re ready. Arm yourself with everything you’ll need. Things like a potty, training pants or underwear and PLENTY of cleaning supplies. Choose a long weekend or even longer if you like. And maybe avoid the weekend when Granny is coming to stay.

It’s time to introduce your kid to the potty or the big toilet. Let them hang out on it fully clothed and read a book or play a game. And then get them to sit on it at different times throughout the day. Remember, they’re still just getting to know the toilet. So don’t force them or make a big deal out if it.

Once your kid has got to know the potty, let them go naked from the waist down for a few hours at a time. It’s a great way to get them into the habit of catching their poos and wees in time. Encourage them to use the potty whenever they need to go. Celebrate every success. Even the tiny wees. It all matters.

Once your kid has mastered the potty naked it’s time for big kid pants. Wahoo. Keep remining them to use the potty and keep up the cheerleading act. Reward them when they do something right with stickers of small treats. It works wonders for motivation.

It’s time to get them used to using the toilet on their own. So, help them out by showing them how to wash their hands, wipe their bottoms with a little moist toilet paper and flush the big scary toilet. All on their own. And don’t be afraid to play around a bit and have some fun.

The adventure is never completely finished. So even after the official training is over, keep reinforcing those good habits and give them loads of encouragement. And remember, setbacks and accidents are normal. So don’t sweat it.