Successful potty training doesn't need to cost you much. You'll need to buy a separate potty chair or a ring for the adult toilet, but there is no need to purchase expensive programs or paraphernalia to teach your child to learn to use the potty. It may take a little longer than one day or three days, but with patience and consistency, anyone can toilet train a child without a commercial technique.
Child-Oriented Method
Readiness and errorless learning are stressed in this method. Train your child slowly based on his readiness, and back off from the training if your child loses interest. This method usually begins at 18 months of age by getting the child used to sitting in a potty chair and slowly progresses to full training.
Dr. Spock Method
Pediatrician Laura Jana, through DrSpock.com, suggests waiting until your child is at least 2 years old before beginning this method. Dr. Spock suggests a toilet training partnership with your child. Place the child on the toilet or potty chair at regular intervals throughout the day and give mild praise for successful attempts. Once the child has used the potty successfully several times, remove diapers and pull-ups and tell the child it's up to her to use the potty when she needs to. Continue with praise for successful attempts. Place the child back in diapers or pull-ups if she has several accidents.
Dr. Phil Method
Dr. Phil McGraw's method uses a combination of behavioral techniques and visual aids and is very parent-directed. He suggests using a doll that wets to show your child how to use the potty. Then use the same steps with your child, using lots of liquids. Dr. Phil suggests that if your child has an accident, take him back and forth to the potty 10 times in a row to get him to go again.
