In the book “I’m Not Using the Potty” by author Laura Gelh, Peep is excited. “Today is the day!” Peep said. “Time to start using the potty!” But to Egg, the potty is too slippery to sit on, the toilet paper is too tangly and the flushing noise is too loud!
Encouraging a child to try something new is often challenging. But when it comes to potty training, there are also so many questions. Is my child ready? Am I ready? What’s the best method or approach? How long will this take? Additionally, there’s a plethora of advice from well-meaning family and friends, each with their own stories, proven techniques and absolute dos and don’ts.
So, where to begin!?
Whether you are in the thick of potty training, or, introducing the concept, helping your child realize they are not alone is a great first step. Start by reading books and watching DVDs, especially those that feature familiar friends, who are also learning “to go.” Here are a few to get you started.
- “P is for Potty” by Naomi Kleinberg. Sesame Street’s Elmo helps your child learn to use the potty through a series of surprises in this delightful lift-a-flap book.
- “Caillou Potty Time” by Joceline Sanschagrin. Caillou is excited to use his new potty but soon finds out success doesn’t happen overnight!
- “Daniel’s Potty Time” by Alexandra Cassel Schwartz. Daniel Tiger thinks he has too much to do to stop and use the potty!
- “Goldilocks and Just the Right Potty” by Leigh Hodgkinson. Goldilocks wants to wear big girl underwear, but before that can happen, she needs the just right potty!
- “Time to Pee” by Mo Willems. Although Piggy, Elephant and Pigeon are not in this book, there are oodles of adorable mice that your children will love, along with Willems’ signature humor and fun style.
For some silly books on the subject, check out this link.
Also, take advantage of our wide selection of DVDs on Potty Training. For instance, “It’s Potty Time” features some favorite PBS Kids friends. From Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Prince Wednesday learns the importance of stopping “to go.” Peg and Cat help Big Mouth learn about the potty, while Dinosaur Train characters, Buddy and Tiny, discover that all creatures poop!
