My son is three-years-old. He can ride a tricycle, do somersaults, and even eat sushi. However, he is not potty-trained. Frankly, I have done little to make this happen. It seems that there is always a road trip or a plane ride scheduled and I don’t want to have to make 15 potty breaks. I am embarrassed to say that his perpetual diaper usage is primarily due to my utter and inexcusable laziness.

At least that’s what I thought….

Child neuropsychlogist, Dr. Pete Stavinoah came on the show today to talk about the do’s and don’ts of potty training. (During the intro, I actually said, “Dr. Pete is here to give us the real poop on potty training”. I couldn’t believe I said the word “poop” on live TV.)

Any way, he provided some great advice. The first thing he suggested is to make sure you don’t start too early. He emphasized that the child should express interest and that they should not be forced to sit on the potty – WHAT A RELIEF!! He assured me that my youngest will not leave for college still in diapers and that I could relax.

He also suggested being a “Potty Model”. Hold up – what does that mean?? Dr. Pete encourages parents to show kids how to sit on the potty by doing our business in front of the children. Okay – that will be a big fat NO! I will pick up lizards and even watch Sponge Bob, but I am not going to go to the bathroom in front of my boys. Besides, I have a husband. He can use the proper equipment and the proper stance – so I will leave that little parenting potty job for him.

Finally, Dr. Pete suggested giving positive reinforcement for successful potty time. Okay, I’m good at that. The first time my oldest went “big potty” in the toilet, we cheered, called the grandparents, and slipped him two bucks as a bonus.

Bottom line, parents should not be too overwhelmed with this process. Eventually, the kids will become increasingly more comfortable with the potty and less comfortable with nasty diapers. Until that time, relax and enjoy one more road trip without pit stops.