Yesterday she used the potty each time without missing, yet today it's only 10am and you have changed her clothes twice already! What's going wrong?

NOTHING! Does your hair fall into style each and everyday? of course not, and potty training isn't straight forward or   easy. Oh yes there are   children (usually someone at toddler group) whose child is dry day and night straight away, but they are few and far between, for most parents potty training can take a month or more before you can be sure of having 99% success.

First thing to remember is that your child isn't doing it on purpose (well rarely) each day is different, and sometimes there are more exciting things to do than potty training. Your child won't be trying to punish you, it is very rare that a small child will use soiling as a weapon to get what they want.

Shouting might make you feel better but it won't help, if you feel you are getting angry or frustrated, make both of you a drink, get out a book, sit and read quitely together, or go for walk to feed the duck's If necessary put a nappy back on if it's very early days. Remember your child is learning a new skill, and a very important one at that.

Always use positive terms even if you have had to clean up yet another mess, ask your child to help, this will help them understand part of the process. Learn 'Super Nanny' speak, "well done" "wow" "brilliant boy" "fantastic and Clever"   you might find it hard at first, it may not be part of your normal vocabulary you may even feel silly especially if you are out and about. Don't tell your child they are dirty or naughty when they wet or mess, these are not positive reinforcements and only set   him back.  

So why isn't working?

Is your child well? check that he isn't coming down with a cold or buggy if there are virus's and sniffles going around at Playgroup the chances are that your little one is going to come down with one too.  

Is she still teething? You already know that a new tooth causes misery and grumbles an aching gum is enough to take your mind off potty training when you are only small.

Perhaps   something exciting is happening? Has Granny come to visaed or a new pet or baby arrived on the scene (see are we ready?) Perhaps the tiff is on all the time and that is distracting her.

Were you really ready? or did you feel pressured into starting potty training.   It's very easy to be swayed by other parent's or by your own Mum "I had you potty trained at 12months", and don't feel pressured by nursery or playgroups, today they cannot discriminate against children who are dry and those who are still in a nappy.

Also consider your chalet if they are being assessed for special needs or have special physical needs he or she might need to start much later. You may need to take advise from their specialist or your Health Visitor. If your child has physical needs it is important that they are able to stand up and sit down with relative eases children don't always give much warning they need to go.

Are you both sleeping well? Remember if you are tired then you might not have the same level of patience. If your child isn't sleeping well they will feel grumpy and distracted especially if they are ill or teething.

Many of these issues can be dealt with by adjusting to the circumstance's staying calm - yes even if you are tired and changed another set of clothes.

Don't forget if you aren't ready then you can always stop and start again at a later date, there is no such thing as failure, just re adjusting the time scale.

Every child has a set backs, they will have days that just seem to be endless with accidents, remember to keep calm even if you feel angry and frustrated. Accept that there are going to be days like this. Even on bad days it is important to reward your child for trying, and if you use star charts don't feel tempted to remove rewards, this will only cause upset and may even make him feel like 'not trying'.