Let’s be real. Your kid’s potty training journey probably won’t be the smoothest or the fastest process. It’ll have a its share of hiccups and be as frustrating as constipation. Here are three things you should do if your child struggles to make progress when potty training:

1. Accidents happen

Chances are, bedwetting incidents will still happen within the first week of potty training. Accidents on the couch may still happen. Change will take time unless you have a potty training wiz. Don’t put away your cleaning supplies just yet. Be ready to wash bed sheets if needed and have an extra pair of underwear ready in case of an accident.

2. Diaper time continues on long outings

If you’re going on a family road trip to your third cousin’s house six hours away, keeping your child in diapers will be a good idea. You don’t want to be caught with poo on your backseat while going 80 mph. You won’t have access to all of the cleaning supplies you do at home. Don’t forget to pack cleaning wipes to be prepared for the messes and treats if your kid completes the trip accident-free.

3. Stay positive

It’s easy to be discouraged! While it may seem a tough feat for you to accomplish, remember that it is your child who is going through the changes. At some point, you had to make the transition from diapers to big kid undies but you did it. Some parents use a treat to reward progress. It may not be a bad idea to treat yourself as well with a trip to the ice cream store for every five days your kid is accident free.

Are you a seasoned potty training expert? If so, what are some of the tips you’d recommend for parents going through the potty training journey with their children?

As seen on ABC's Shark Tank, IllumiBowl is a motion-activated toilet night light invented by Matt Alexander and Michael Kannely.