Let your child learn by example. If he/she watches an older child use the toilet, it will be easier to understand what is expected from him/her. If your child doesn't have an older sibling, use a cousin or neighbourhood kid to demonstrate at your home.

Encourage your child to identify the sensation of being wet. Use specific words that your child will understand. "Urinate" may be too difficult a word for a toddler to follow. Use baby talk that she/he can understand.

Familiarise your child with the bathroom and its equipment. Children who have this advantage will become trained more easily.

Persuade your child to take off his/her pants by himself/herself and walk into the toilet. The message will eventually sink in.

Watch your child at play. It is easy to recognise when he/she has wet his/her diaper. He/she will probably take a small break from playing, or his/her facial expression will give him/her away.

Put your child on the potty. Entertain him/her with a song or story. Encourage him/her to look into the potty to see if it has been done. Interrupt your song with a few questions. "Have you gone potty?" "Not yet?" "Let's try again". Sooner or later your child will know what you expect.

At the first sign of success, compliment the child. Let him/her know he/she has done the right thing. Tell him/her how smart he/she is. Let him/her know you are pleased.

Next time he/she does it in his/her pants, tell him/her it's a no-no. Point out to the potty. That's where it is supposed to be done.

Don't go ballistic if your child regresses every now and then. You will only end up scaring him/her. Gentle reinforcement is what is needed.

Don't get upset if other kids have got toilet trained earlier. Each child will grow at his/her own pace. Keep trying.