Despite title of this article, I do not really think that we are all guilty of worshiping god of underworld. I am, however, quite turned off by amount of affection and devotion we give to unworthy television. Last week I was teaching a class of four year olds, and before lesson began, one of children informed me that she had to leave early so she could get home in time for American Idol. As a society, I’m afraid we truly have made television an idol – and not just an American one. Studies disagree on how much we watch per week; studies agree that we watch too much.

My husband I refuse to give others remote control of our home, and have taken several steps to channel our boys away from seductive and addictive influence of television. We thank major networks for loaning us their initials to broadcast our system to you:

CBS – Cut Box on Schooldays. Consider taking extreme position of not allowing television on weekdays. This has earned us title of ‘most unreasonable parents in school’, but we wear it with pride. To soften our image, we allow television freedom on weekends, after chores and homework.

2. Research. Development and Belly Laughs - The thought of potty training can inspire you to do research necessary for you to develop yourself as a healthy and fun guide during this rite of passage in your child's life. With your positive and fun approach, bond of connection and love will strengthen and expand rather than falling prey to distress and concern.

This is such a fun thing to do to begin day, and during day when you feel stressed. Belly Laugh. Imitate and act like you are laughing so hard, like someone is tickling you. At first you will have to pretend but within a few seconds, your body will respond and you will giggle and giggle. You may have to get over "feeling foolish" but choose to DO IT anyway. Research has shown that people who do this on a regular basis reduce stress, are healthier and have more fun every day.

3. A Natural Process and Feeling Loved - You can create you child's transition from diapers to potty to be a easy one or a struggle. Given guidance, encouragement, and time to develop, most children will practically train themselves to use toilet. You can assist your child in this process by using potty learning methods that you determine are healthy and fun. Visit www.pottytrainingcoach.com and call Karen to talk about healthy and fun ways.

What does your child want to see from you when she walks into your space? The answer is "A smile, your eyes light up, anything that shows that you are happy to see him". Isn't that what we all want? We all want to feel like we are loved just because we exist. Differentiate between your child's being and your child's doing. If she does something that you don't like, make sure she knows that you love her AND you don't like her behavior.

Getting in habit of using "this works" and "this doesn't work" is a marvelous way to stay out of criticism. Criticism is most effective way to destroy your child's self-esteem and confidence. Say this statement a couple of times: Children do not have to be made to feel bad in order for them to learn how to behave better.

4. Potty Ready and Potty Learning - Potty training is really misnamed. It might better be called, potty learning. You child develops normally and becomes ready to use potty, slowly but surely. There are many signs of readiness. Here are a few. She has become curious and wants to watch you use toilet. He requests that we change his diaper when he is wet. She uses words for pee-pee and poo-poo or whatever words you have encouraged. He stops what he is doing while he is peeing or-pooing in his diaper. She is dry over longer periods of time.

5. Accepting Bodily Functions - You will learn a lot about yourself as well as your child during potty learning process. Children accept BM's and pee with curiosity and playfulness. If given no interference, children have been observed to use their BM as finger paints, smearing it on walls, and then licking their fingers. As adults, when we see this behavior, our reaction will most likely be repulsion and reprimands filled with "yukkies" and "pee-yews" to convey our dismay.