I think with the accidents, it is the association with being wet and uncomfortable that helps kids to realize after a few that they can control the flow. With some of the top brands of disposables, they can pee all day and still feel completely dry! So they don't feel so unpleasant. Thats why I never used the pull ups. They insisted that my three year old uses them at kindy last week when he started and I have begrudgingly bought some. We were not personally bothered yet about potty training him as he told me last week he is still a "bubby" and wants his nappy. I know that forcing them causes problems as I tried to do this with my 5 year old and he took even longer to train! I was pregnant again and had visions of being up to the eye balls in diapers forever and wanting to train him before the fourth one arrived! The kindy have offered to help toilet training with Kyle and as it is Summer I guess I'l just see what comes of that. He's hardly going to say he needs to go toilet in pull-ups since they are just like disposables---so how will they know he needs toilet? Kids need to have accidents and be aware. He's just very forward and very bossy and knows what he wants and I don't believe in pushing him, so I ask him if he is ready. He will do it in his own sweet time.