Almost ALL children will work on potty training in more than one location at some point in there potty training career - particularly in the later stages of potty training. Not only do children work on toilet habits at home, but many children spend many hours a day at daycare, preschool, and a relative's house, etc. Some children split time between parents' homes, too. (see article on Potty Training Coordination for Divorced Parents) How can we keep children on their individual potty training course while reassuring them that even though things might seem different the ultimate goal is the same? One key in potty training in a new environment is to talk about it in advance . Even if it is a home the child is familiar with, it is likely that he is not accustomed to using the bathroom in it. “It's not a bad idea to anticipate what the child will be exposed to beforehand,” says Dr. Ed Christophersen, a psychologist and potty training expert affiliated with Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo.

If the child is anxious about using the potty in unfamiliar surroundings, he is more likely to shy away from using the potty and, ultimately, having an accident.

It's all about preparation - if possible, show him the bathroom, let him spend a little time in the room and even let him sit on the toilet seat, especially if he is used to sitting on a potty chair.

“Whenever possible, try to keep potty training consistent between locations,” says Dr. Christophersen. If the child spends a lot of time between two homes, there should be an attempt to use the same system aids in both places – for example, keeping a potty chair in an easily accessible room or using the same reward system.

When more than one adult is responsible for potty training, it is even more likely to anticipate variation.

Communication is vital between the parent who is responsible for taking the lead on potty training and anyone else who will be involved, like a babysitter or caregiver – you have to work it out so that you are on the same page.

For some children, it helps having a peer who can be a link between locations. Having a child in Daycare that can observe a slightly older child (and his routine) can really have a profound effect on certain potty trainers.

Another key is attitude.

Consistency is more than simply having similar potty chairs or making sure the child is kept on similar bathroom schedules. Parents and others involved with potty training should also be consistent with positive attitudes, expectations, praise, rewards, etc.

Again, this requires communication and careful facilitation between the parent and whoever else will be involved with the potty training.

Mixed signals should be avoided at any cost.

As a parent, you can give others everything needed for successful potty training.

One idea is to fill a bag with all the materials they might need, like a potty seat, a potty book for the child, a sticker chart, extra training pants, etc.”

Perhaps one of the most important things to remember when potty training at more than one location is to dress your child in clothes that are easy for the child to take on and off and promote autonomy. (see article on Potty Training Attire)

The fewer the complications, the better!