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On page 44 of the new issue, Annette Crosiar addresses Toilet Training. It's a great article and even though I have been through this once before I love getting another mom's take on it. My daughter is in the process of potty training, looking back to when I was training my son. . . wow, did I feel overwhelmed.

He was just not into it. Part of that was readiness and part of it was that I was honestly clueless about how to make it fun for him and create an environment where he could succeed. Thought I had everything I needed. . . a little potty that I picked out at the store, a motherload of encouragement, and a little kid who I thought was big enough. And I failed. Again and again.

Off to the library we went to check out toilet training videos, four books filled with tips and tricks, including one about elimination communication or as I like to think of it the X-treme sports version of toilet training and finally I turned to friends and family for advice.

We ended up using a combination of techniques and tried out a reward system.  Pee in the potty and get one M&M, Poop in the potty and the reward is two M&Ms! When he was able to do the whole doo-doo on his own, including wiping, flushing and washing his hands - when he finally really had a handle on it all, we gave him a remote controlled car. Some of you may call it bribery and I say to you, ok. You are probably right but it worked.

My daughter is simply, more motivated. She wants to be like all the other people in the house. But I am smarter this go around, too. She chose her potty at the store and as far as using the thing. . . she was genuinely excited about it. In fact saying, "Peeing in the froggy-potty is my favorite game!" If she wants to wear a diaper, I let her and I don't feel like a failure. Fingers crossed that it all keeps going in that direction.

How'd you do it? What do you wish someone told you? We'd really like to hear your stories. Join the conversation! Post a comment below and you will be entered to win a $25 gift certificate to Sola. As always, we promise not to share, sell or spam your email.

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