Role play beforehand. If you know that your toddler may throw a tantrum at the doctor's office, you can prepare ahead of time. Try purchasing a doctor's kit or making one from random household items. Let your toddler pretend to be a doctor. You or even a favorite doll or stuffed animal can be the patient. Then, reverse the roles and pretend to be the doctor, explaining what each item will be used for. If your child is nervous even with just toy instruments and mock examining, let a doll be the patient instead. You can do things like look inside the ears, listen to the heartbeat, and so on. Sometimes acting it all out gives the child a better understanding that there is nothing to be afraid of.

If you have a clingy toddler, you know all too well that it can be a hassle. They demand to be carried everywhere, you can't leave the room without them tagging along, and you get absolutely nothing done when you are at home. I, too, know the feeling, and after through research, I can help you break the chain your toddler has you on.

After my youngest son was born, my 20-month-old developed a suction cup and refused to be removed from his daddy's side, even by me. When daddy went to work, I was enough to make him happy, at least until daddy got home. It didn't matter if we were in the middle of a fun game, the second daddy walked through the door, mommy didn't exist until the next day when daddy went to work.

I was determined that my child was going to remove himself from his daddy long enough for me to enjoy giving him a bath and playing with the little toy boats, just like it used to be. I hit the computer and started researching. Now, I want to share with all of you how to get your child to break your leash and enjoy life through their eyes, instead of from your hip.

Potty training effectively involves many factors, such as patience and consistency. If you have decided to use training pants as effective means of potty training your child, there are some things you'll need to know. As a mom of multiple children, I'm sharing 5 ways to effectively use potty training pants, based on my experiences. These are methods I've tried with success.

Don't Use the Potty Training Pants Like Diapers
Never treat the potty training pants the same as diapers. Using them as diapers only confuses the child. Use diapers during nap times and at night until training is done. When accidents occur, unless the potty training pants are messy, have the child sit on the toilet and wipe instead of treating it like a diaper change. This helps teach the child that the toilet is now the proper place for restroom duties and that potty training pants are not a diaper.

Be Consistent
Once you start using potty training pants, do not revert to diapers on some days and use potty training pants on others. This only confuses the child and could actually hinder the potty training process. If you are going to use potty training pants, stick with that plan. That will help the child understand the importance of the task. Consistency is key.

Be a Teacher, Not a Dictator
Children don't always get everything right on the first try. In fact, sometimes they aren't even willing to try at first. While using the toilet is a natural thing for us, it is new to children and maybe scary. Be gentle and explain how to properly use the potty training pants. Do not just give orders. Help the child understand and get it right. When the child gets it wrong, simply go over the lesson again. Say things like "When it's time to use the potty, use your big kid pants the way I showed you." You may have to repeat such phrases often. In doing so, be a teacher, not a dictator.

Use Potty Training Pants Geared Toward Your Child
Pay attention to your child's activities and make other observations to determine which potty training pants to use. If your child likes the diaper area cleaned immediately, potty training pants that have wet strips may be a good idea. Pampers Feel N' Learn is one example. Another thing to pay attention to is any skin sensitivities or issues with the way the potty training pants fit.

Let the Child Choose From Types That Work
Once you know about a variety of options that work for your child, let your child choose his or her potty training pants. This makes them seem even more special in the eyes of some children. Not only will they proud of themselves when they use them properly, but they may even brag that they picked them out themselves. Kids love to be a part of decision-making. It makes them proud. For some kids, this will make them more open to using the potty training pants.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network