A few different potty training techniques are most commonly cited in the literature. Below is a summary of the most commonly discussed techniques:

"The Train in a Day" Method

The "Train in a Day" Method was first made popular back in the 1970s by the authors Azrin/Foxx in a book entitled "Toilet Training in Less Than a Day." More recently, Dr. Phil and Narmin Parpia have endorsed this training program. The basic premise of this technique is to go "cold-turkey" with diapers. On the selected training day, the toddler is told that they will no longer wear diapers. The next four to eight hours are spent teaching the child how to properly use the toilet.

The child begins to learn how to properly utilize the toilet by "teaching" a doll the process. They are given positive reinforcement when successful, and negative enforcement when there is an accident. Positive reinforcement consists of rewards, a "potty party" and/or a "super hero" phone call, while negative reinforcement is through a series of "potty drills."

"The Timer Method" of Toilet Training

The timer method is a slower method by considered by many parents to be less stressful than the "train in a day" methods for both parent and child. The timer method also involves keeping the child out of diapers entirely during training. Basically a timer is set for certain time intervals, and when the timer goes off the child is brought to the toilet for a potty session. Small rewards, praises, and hugs are given if the toddler is successful. There is no negative reinforcement for accidents other than an expression of disappointment. The length between timer bells is gradually increased as pottying skills become more reliable.

Although this method is fairly quick, it is slower than the "train in a day" methods and difficult if you have a particularly stubborn child. Keeping motivation high long enough for the child to catch on can be a disadvantage. Often, a child loses interest in the novelty of "potty time!" before they actually "catch on" to the pottying process.

"The Naked and $75" Method

The Naked and $75 dollar method is the training technique endorsed by Dr. John Rosemond. Dr. Rosemond believes that toilet training should be simple and no-nonsense. The child is empowered to basically train themselves.

Training begins with a brief teaching session which is used to explain the toileting process. Parents show by example and explanation, and then tell their children, "Now it's your turn. Mommy and Daddy expect you to use the potty from now on." The child is left naked for three to seven days while they learn how to use the toilet. The concept behind leaving the child naked is to help increase awareness of bodily functions. (It is much easier for a child to realize they are pooping and peeing when it is running down their leg rather than having it land in an absorbent diaper.) The parent or caregiver is there to provide assistance if needed, but remains hands-off during the training process.

The $75 is for the inevitable carpet cleaning bill!

"Child-Centered" Toilet Training

Child centered potty training puts the child in charge of when and how to train. It is typically done with older kids (Two and a half or older) who have decided on their own that it is time to get rid of diapers. The most common trend in toilet training today is this delayed-training method. Children who have reached this decision on their own are typically very easy to train, however the disadvantage is that for many children the "habit" of using diapers has become so ingrained that convincing them otherwise is very difficult. Potty training at an advanced age can be detrimental for the child should they wish to be admitted to pre-school or wish to participate in certain activities.

The first time "child-centered" toilet training was discussed was at approximately the same time as the invention of disposable diapers. Previously diaper wearing meant diaper washing. Parents had much more incentive to toilet train early and to not leave timing up to the toddler.

"Potty Training Boot Camp"

Potty Training Boot Camp is a relatively new method that combines a few of the above mentioned techniques.

Potty training takes place in phases: Preparatory work, "boot camp", reinforcement and maintenance. The focus of the preparatory work is to encourage familiarity of the toileting process. The "boot camp" day is a modified "train in a day method." Instead of using a training doll on the "boot camp" day, it is instead used in preparatory work. Rewards on the training day are increasingly more "desirable" for the toddler to help maintain motivation. The reinforcement phase combines the "Naked and $75" method and the "timer method." The timer helps to allow the parent some supervision and control over the process with having the child remain naked still helps to encourage awareness of bodily functions. Maintenance is handled like any other training program - frequent reminders and positive reinforcement consisting of hugs, praises, stickers, and large "hoorays!"

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Suzanne Riffel is the author of "The Potty Boot Camp: Basic Training for Toddlers." Her potty training method has been successful for hundreds of parents.

The Potty Boot Camp can be found at the online bookstore Booklocker