Potty training is one of the most challenging things I have ever done as a parent.   Our oldest boy fought the process the entire time.  Then we had to contend with training twin boys.  I thought I was never going to get them out of diapers and training pants.

But we did.  Much of our success had more to do with our attitudes than with anything else, but there were a few free resources that helped along the way.

If you’re in the process of dumping diapers for good, check out these free potty-training resources:

Friends and family.   It’s really tempting to get defensive at the suggestions well-intentioned family and friends give you when it comes to potty-training.  But they’ve all gone through it, and they may have some fabulous tips and tricks you never thought of.   Even if you don’t use their advice, there support can do wonders for your confidence levels.

Public library. I found it helpful to check out a few parenting books on potty-training before I started the process.  It helped me get a sense of what I would need to do to position my kids for success.   The library is also a good source of books and videos for your child on potty-training.  Anything you can do to help them get comfortable with the changes will boost your chances of success.

Free potty-training charts.  Potty Training Concepts has an extensive collection of printable potty-training charts to help your child keep track of his or her progress.  I loved this site because it had so many charts featuring kids’ favorite characters.

Free potty-training apps.  For those of you who are more tech-savvy, you might want to download the free iGoPotty app for iPhone created by Pullups.

The iGoPotty App helps with the potty-training process by sending cute little reminders from “Patty the Potty” to use the potty.  You can customize both the message you get when it’s time to go and the frequency of the reminders. The app also offers digital rewards (like virtual stickers and games). My twin boys really responded to this app and thought it was fun. The timer definitely helped remind them when to go.

In addition, Pull-Ups also offers an online potty-training timer. You can even arrange for your child to receive an encouraging phone call from Cinderella or Mater.

The key to a successful potty-training experience is to keep things consistent and keep things positive.  These freebies can help make that happen.

What things helped you potty train your child?