You know, just when you think you're getting a handle on parenting, along comes toilet training. Then when you think you've gotten that one at least a bit under control an issue comes up with constipation, potty training bowel movements or the like.

Thanks very much, life. Sigh.

It's in these moments that we just have to laugh, don't we? What else is there to do? Cry? Oh wait, we've already done that - multiple times! The great thing about this realization is that it help keeps us calm and matter-of-fact, which is a huge help to our toilet training toddler or preschooler. The more relaxed - and even humorous - we can keep the process of bowel movement training, the more we help our potty trainee.

If you need ideas on helping your own poop-challenged little one, you might want to listen to a podcast I just created on potty training & bowel movements.

Hang in there, Mom. And laugh. Even a little.

I have a friend who just gave birth to her 4th child. Her other children include a toddler, a preschooler and a school-age child. A potty training child is always on this woman's mind. She confessed to me that she was trying to get the toddler potty trained before the new baby arrived - something I have also tried to do with no success.

Well, maybe I should amend that. When my oldest was waiting (!) for the birth of his little brother, I was sure talk of being a 'big boy' would finally inspire him to completely toilet train.

No, it inspired him to show me that he knew exactly what I was talking about and he wasn't going to do it. And I couldn't make him.

I was so frustrated by the time my second son arrived. And then a miracle happened. Or rather, Grandma happened. My wonderful mom, caring for my older son while I was busy in the hospital with my newest son, told my oldest he wanted to be potty trained. He was a big brother now.

And so he did. By the time I came home from the hospital (2 days), my oldest was happily trained. I felt foolish and grateful at the same time.

Was it the Grandma touch? Being away from me? Just deciding? I don't know. But after potty training 3 other kids, all equally creative, I learned that while I could guide and influence the process  only a child can potty train himself.

Lesson learned. By mom.