Most children aren't physically or psychologically ready to be toilet trained much before the age of two, if then. And today, we know better than to frustrate our children by starting too early. There are a few pre-training measures we can take, though, that are likely to speed up the process when it is time to take it seriously.• First, remember the old saying, "monkey see, monkey do." Let your child accompany you to the bathroom and perhaps even flush the toilet for you.• Keep a potty chair in the bathroom for your toddler to sit on, even with clothes on, when he or she wants to, just to get familiar with the equipment.• Let your child try to put on and take off training or frilly pants that he or she will soon be big enough to wear everyday.• There are several excellent story books on the subject that you can read to your child to help learn what to expect and what's expected.• Try to help your child recognize the sensation of being wet. He or she may learn to let you know when it's time for a diaper change, and, eventually, when it's soon going to be time for one. That's when the real training will begin.

Vicki Lansky's practical, common sense approach to parenting is familiar to millions throughout the world. Vicki's first book, Feed Me, I'm Yours, published in 1974, and still one of the most popular baby/toddler food cookbooks in the country, was followed by The Taming of the C.A.N.D.Y. Monster, a #1 New York Times bestseller. Her other titles include: Toilet Training, Birthday Parties Best Party Tips & Ideas For Ages 1-8, Dear Babysitter Handbook, Welcoming Your Second Baby, Getting Your Child to Sleep ... and Back to Sleep, Trouble-free Travel with Children, Baby Proofing Basics and Games Babies Play From Birth to Twelve Months, Koko Bear's New Potty, A New Baby at Koko Bear's House, Koko Bear and the New Babysitter, and Koko Bear's Big Earache. Vicki Lansky's Divorce Book for Parents: Helping Children Cope with Divorce and Its Aftermath