Tips for making potty training a bit easier...and less frustrating

Every parent knows that potty training their lovebug isn't easy. If you and your partner are now in the stage where you're attempting to get your toddler out of diapers and into underwear, you've probably wanted to throw your hands up in the air and give up at one point or another.

If this is the case, don't worry. You aren't alone. Moms and dads have have encountered every pitfall known to man and because of this, there has been plenty of advice written about how to overcome these obstacles.

To see what we're referring to, read over the two stumbling blocks below and tips on how to conquer them from Parents Magazine:

Common obstacle #1: Little Timmy goes to the bathroom in the toilet but won't flush

Simple solution: Interestingly enough, the majority of little ones go through a phase where they hate watching a "part of themselves" vanish, says pediatrician and editor of American Academy of Pediatrics Guide to Toilet Training, Mark Wolraich.

He says that it's best that you "don't make a big deal of it." This stage will pass before you know it. Just remember to be patient.

Common obstacle #2: My daughter has no problem urinating in the potty but won't go number two

Simple solution: Dr. Wolraich says that your tiny tot may be constipated. A good way to figure out whether this is the case is to just simply ask "does it hurt to go poo poo?" If she says yes or nods her head, then she's understably going to be hesitant to use the toilet for this purpose. If this has been going on for a while, don't wait. Take your kid to the doctor to discuss some possible solutions to the problem.