A few parents get lucky and potty training is a breeze. The rest of us suffer through months of accidents, refusals and tantrums before we even get a child on the potty. To help ease the way into more successful potty training, establishing a bit of groundwork can do nothing but help.

Share the Basics
You should share the basics of the potty and how to use it every chance you get. If your child follows you into the bathroom, explain to her what you’re doing and ask if she wants to try. If she does, give her a shot maybe she’ll actually perform!

Learn the Fundamentals
Well before you start putting the pressure on your child to perform, she should be well versed in the fundamentals. Teach her about Big Girl underpants and buy a little potty that she can pretend to use – if she wants to. Walk her through the steps when you’re in the bathroom together. Go, Wipe, Flush, Wash.

Be Laid Back
The best approach to potty training is a laid back one. Forcing the issue can make it take longer and be more difficult, so once your child is ready and knows the basic, help her along rather than forcing her. She’ll get there when she’s ready; you’re just there to facilitate and clean up the accidents.

Looking to start (or finish) potty training? Most toddlers are motivated by nice, tangible rewards no matter how much you were hoping to get by on praise and loving support. If you’re in need of cheap, easy rewards, look no further:

Stickers
Toddlers love stickers and you can get so many for so little money. Give your child a sticker to wear each time she uses the potty or put one on a special chart to keep track of her successes. (There is no need to track her failures, of course.)

Candy
If you’re okay with the idea, a small piece of candy such as a Skittle or M&M makes a nice reward for a job well done. A toddler doesn’t exist who doesn’t salivate after some kind of candy.

Toys
If you make a chart and check off a certain number of boxes, you might reward your child with a small toy at the end of the day. Visit the local dollar store or look in the “junk” section of the toy store to find toys less than a dollar that will help keep everyone motivated.

Special Treats
Much like candy, you can use anything for a motivation if it is special enough. Junior sized popsicles might be a good idea during the summer, especially sugar free ones. You can also use popcorn, fruit snacks or any other item that is a special treat to your child.