Diapers Are Not Forever

Best Behavior (Ages 0-3)

by Elizabeth Verdick, Marieka Heinlen (Illustrator)

The Potty Book That Builds Confidence To Go Where The Big Kids Go!Potty training is a huge milestone, but it takes a lot of patience and practice! With her trademark mix of empathy and encouragement, author Elizabeth Verdick gives parents, caregivers, and little ones the tools they need to kick potty-training's (diaper-free) tush.Promotes Potty Training Diapers Are Not Forever takes a gentle approach to teach children why and how to use the potty like a big kid….without pressure! This encouraging children’s book reassures little ones that going on the potty takes time and everyone progresses at their own pace. Simple Language for Little Featuring easy-to-understand words and vibrant illustrations, children build the confidence to chuck their diaper in the pail and use the potty like a big kid as they learn to “do what the big kids do” (go, wipe, flush, and wash their hands).Includes Helpful Tips for Parents & Insightful suggestions from a pediatrician are included in the back of the nearly indestructible book to help adults navigate potty training like a pro.
Best Behavior® Kids, parents, and educators love the award-winning book series that teaches children ages 1–4 important life skills in fun, relatable ways. From managing emotions to manners for kids, each book in the series uses simple words and relatable illustrations that encourage positive behaviors. Bilingual board books are available for select titles.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Parenting, Nonfiction, Kids

24 pages, Board Book

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Elizabeth Verdick has been writing books since 1997, the year her daughter was born. Her two children, now ages 13 and 8, are the inspiration for nearly everything she writes. Before becoming an author, Elizabeth edited books for children and parents.

These days she writes books for toddlers to teens, and everything in between. She especially loves creating new board book series for toddlers—the latest series is Toddler Tools™, which helps young children and their parents cope with those tough times and transitions that happen every day (like naptime and bedtime). The Best Behavior™ series helps toddlers reach new milestones and improve their day-to-day behavior.

Elizabeth also enjoys getting the chance to look at the funny side of life in the Laugh and Learn™ series, which helps kids ages 8–13 get a handle on the social/emotional skills they’re developing throughout the elementary– and middle school years. Elizabeth lives with her family and five pets near St. Paul, Minnesota.

Reviews

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3/2/2024 - I enjoyed reading this to my daughter. She is learning to potty train and was very interested in this book.

5/30/2024 - Read again with Madi.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is really great! It’s very informative and it teaches children very well because it uses the right level of vocabulary and is presented in an engaging way. I especially love all of the advice for parents listed at the end of each book and the size of the book (the pages are quite large). My only criticism is that the board book pages are thinner than is typical for a board book, and I’m worried that these books won’t hold up to the antics of an excited toddler (which is who they’re written for).

[Faloni © · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was hilarious 🤣🤣

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This board book shows many different children learning how to use the potty.

The text is very reassuring, positively framing this developmental milestone. It reiterates that using the potty takes practice. Hand washing is also included in the descriptions of toilet training, and the differences between boys and girls using the potty are touched upon.

The illustrations feature ethnically diverse children in a variety of different bathrooms, being supported and praised by adult caregivers and siblings.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another book recommended by my counselor sister. Potty training books are so hard to find because everyone does it differently. Our two year old is in pull-ups, not diapers, and we haven't taught him to stand up yet, especially not by a urinal as in the book. But I suppose any potty reminders are helpful at this point.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book that finally worked!! We were struggling with potty training exactly because my son was convinced he could wear diapers forever. This gave us a mantra to repeat, and we were done with diapers within a month.

[Addison Children's Services · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learning to use the potty takes patience and practice. This straightforward book helps pave the way for your little one. They learn how to use and why it’s time. Children will gain the courage and confidence to face this important milestone in their lives. 7/5/2018

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

For: readers looking for a book that discusses the potty training steps (with some additional talking points for parents/caregivers in the back).

Possible red flags: some may feel too simplistic; gendered discussions of how boys and girls go potty.

[Mande Duoto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought for my grandson.

We read the book together. The simple concept was enough for him to grasp and begin the rest of the evening using the potty. Maybe it’s the book. Maybe it’s the m&m’s. Maybe it’s being at the grandparents house.😂🤣Either way the book was a huge help!

[kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

eh, boring.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is awesome. This book in particular for potty storytime :)

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

The “Potty” book is better... much more exciting.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, straightforward text on diapers and potties. Great to read with a two year old.

[Jenn K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well Everett loves it!

[Anna McFarland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes. I am at that stage of life. Help me!

[Le Maistre Chat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Has not convinced my 2 1/2 year old to potty train.

[Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of Verdick's most effective social rules indoctrination tools. Even covers hygiene, an oft overlooked aspect of potty training.

With regards to the child sitting on a yellow toilet, I'm terrified. I understand there's some perspective in play here with regards to the illustration, but it really appears like a massive giantess toddler is finally learning how to use the toilet while her parents nervously watch. If my child's diapers were the size of a queen bed, I'd also be eager for them to start using the toilet instead.

Why does the dog feel pride in the young man learning how to use the toilet? What concept does the dog have of these affairs, and what's his stake in it? Is the dog tired of having to smell the reek from the Diaper Genie? Most dogs I know are intrigued by the smell, and probably wouldn't be eager for the source of these smells to "dry up", so to speak.

[Jack Kirby and the X-man · Rating 1 out of 5]

A purely utilitarian book to assist parents in toilet training their kids.

The illustrations are uninspiring. The text starts off well (From head to toe, see how you've grown?), but quickly degrades into a pretty ordinary blow-by-blow description of how to go to the toilet. The plot attempts the "big kids use the toilet" method.

The tips (from a Doctor!) are common sense to anyone who has parented a child up to toilet training age.

You'd be doing well if this book managed to convince your child of anything (or taught you anything!)...

[AveryNJakeO · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish the title line was repeated more than once in this book. Our daughter is having a tough time with the idea of giving up her diapers. I had hopes that this would supply some motivation for her to do that. Sadly, this wasn't the case. I like that the beginning emphasizes growing up and moving on to new things, but I wish the sentiment was revisited after the section about how to use the bathroom. The pictures are just blah, but the book serves its purpose...teaching young ones about potty training. Not a super star book, but not a bad one to have either.

[Gianina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just because it is a book about potty doesn't mean it has to be boring. This book fulfills the purpose for which it was written which is to take kids through the process of using the potty but it does not do much else. Certainly it did not get my daughter excited to use the potty. Also the illustrations meh.

[Rochelle Sondae · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Multi-ethnic illustrated cast shows your toddler the basics of potty training. Other titles in this "Best Behavior" series include: "Feet are not for Kicking", "Germs are not for Sharing", "Pacifiers are not Forever", and "Teeth are not for Hurting".

[ChristinaD. George · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is okay. My 27 month old is not tall enough to stand up and go yet so I'm not really enthused about that part of the book. Easy to skip, you say? Not with my boy! He knows when I try to skip and I am terrible at ad-lib! Ugh. No worries, there are plenty out there I/we enjoy. :)

[Seon Kim]

I can read it to young children to introduce to potty training. Also, teachers can use to this book in the bathroom to assist some of the children who is actually going through potty training process.

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

3/2/2024 - Read this with Momma. I am just starting to potty train and this book kept my attention.

3/4/2024 - Read with Dada.

3/5/2024 - Read again with Dada. I like repeating “diapers not forever.”

5/30/2024 - Read with Momma.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book from Free Spirit publishing. Seems good for the potty training. We are just starting to think about that.

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I tried using this to introduce potty training. My two year old son was fascinated by it for about a week but lost interest in it and now completely avoids it.

[Principle Based Learning]

(recommended by: Ashley B)
Click here for the full article on: More Than Just Fairytales

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction book for potty training.

[Jasmine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Z is fighting potty training so bad and I am getting DESPERATE. Someone needs to help me with this one.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Potty books are awkward but useful.