Potty Training 101: Helpful Books for Kids and Their Parents
by Jennifer Ridgway
As I begin the journey toward toilet training my twins, I’ve been turning to books and to fellow parents for some advice. I’m looking at various approaches to decide what will work best for both my husband and I and our kids. I also know that introducing my children to the idea via books of their own will be incredibly helpful and possibly inspire them to give it a go (literally).
For all of you looking for some great resources, I hope these lists of potty-dedicated books — one for you and one for your child — will be helpful.
Good luck!
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For You:
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The American Academy of Pediatrics Guide to Toilet Training
Available from:The AAP’s guide is a great primer as you start thinking about your journey. It delves into how to decide if your child is ready and emphasizes every child’s individuality. It covers specific problems that may arise and also address some unique situations (for example: twins, children with special needs).
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Toilet Training–The Brazelton Way
Dr. Brazelton’s approach to toilet training is child-centric, based on patience and empathy. He emphasizes developmental milestones and temperament. The book is concise and practical, offering information for different ages as well as various issues, such as bedwetting, constipation, and peer pressure.
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Potty Train Your Child in Just One Day
The linchpin to Teri Crane’s approach is a “potty party”. She sets up a pre-party plan (knowing when your child is ready, using a potty training doll, using quizzes and charts along the way) and then helps you plan a party to drop the diapers in just one day.
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Oh Crap! Potty Training
Jamie Glowacki could be called a grassroots potty training expert. Her method falls between the “one day” and the “take your time” approach. She addresses all different situations, as she has seen them all at work in the potty training trenches.
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For Your Child:
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Going to the Potty
Available from:(The) Mr. Rogers presents potty training as part of the growing up process. The book has pictures of real children, which helps make it relatable. The tone is gentle and encouraging. An oldie but a goodie.
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Potty
Available from:With bright, graphic pictures and simple text, this book not only shows your child what they actually need to do to go potty, but also engages them, as the Baby asks questions that your child will want to answer.
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Once Upon a Potty
The illustrations and text in this book are more descriptive about body parts and function than a lot of the other books, but they are tasteful and educational. There is both a girl version and a boy version, and the text and illustrations are tailored for each audience.
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Time to Pee!
Available from:From the author of the Pigeon books comes a cute book about using the bathroom and the steps along the way, with some cheerleading mice to help and reassure. Each copy also includes a reward chart and stickers.
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Pirate Potty
A great way to introduce boys to potty training, this book is filled with great illustrations, fun pirate language, and a grown-up toilet. It also comes with a captain hat and reward stickers for your little swashbuckler.
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Princess Potty
For any parent whose child believes she (or he) is a princess, this is the book for you. The illustrations are cute, the language is princess-perfect, and it includes a tiara for your child to wear with jewel reward stickers to embellish it.
