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On Becoming Pottywise for Toddlers: A Developmental Readiness Approach to Potty Training
Potty Training doesn't have to be complicated and neither should a resource that explains it. for Toddlers looks to developmental readiness cues of children as the starting point of potty training. Readiness is a primary prerequisite for successful training. Join Pediatrician Robert Bucknam, M.D. and co-author Gary Ezzo, M.A. and the 6 million homes that have found great success with their concepts as they bring simplicity and common sense to a topic that otherwise can bring anxiety to parents that feel like "they are the only ones." Welcome to the growing community in all 50 states and all around the world that are finding peace and success with their children!
135 pages, Paperback
First published September 25, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 7, 2012
On Becoming Potty Wise for Toddlers is a short, simple, straight to the point guide on potty training. It provides easy to follow, step by step instructions that is based on a positive reinforcement philosophy and that depends on an intensive 1-3 day training session.
There are 7 chapters with a preface, an epilogue and an appendix. The preface clearly states that this book replicates the contents of Ezzo’s Potty Training 1-2-3. The authors created this book as a complement to their “On Becoming” series. I have not read Potty Training 1-2-3, but given that the authors clearly state that the content is the same, I won’t waste my time with redundant material. Conversely, if you have already read Potty Training 1-2-3, then this book may be a waste of your time.
The first chapter explains readiness. The authors take the approach that you should potty train your child when he or she is ready, which is the standard approach in the U.S. As an Asian-American who is well-aware of the elimination communication practices in Asia, I found the first chapter to be illuminating as to the various developmental stages that children go through as they age from birth and through their toddler years. And, it helped me understand the merits of waiting until the child is ready.
The meat of the book comes in Chapter 4. There, the authors provide a step by step instruction on potty training. Basically, start with a demonstration using a doll or stuffed animal. Use lots of liquids and foods to create thirst so that there will be an output. Then, put your child in underwear and reward your child for being dry and clean. And, obviously, put your child on the potty regularly and reward for output.
I thought the most informative piece of information in this book was the emphasis on staying dry and clean. Other potty training books and guides that I have read completely ignore this point. If anything, they only discuss rewards or praise for peeing or pooping in the potty. This is true, and this book doesn’t ignore that point, but the ultimate goal is staying dry and clean.
The remaining chapters discusses common problems, pitfalls, and questions. The epilogue is a quick summary of the main points of the book.
Lastly, the appendix appears to be an excerpted chapter from On Becoming Toddlerwise. It has nothing to do with potty training, but rather, it is about creating routine and structure in your toddler’s life.
Overall, I thought this book was easy, quick, and fun to read. It got straight to the point and provided a clear set of instructions. Although this book does acknowledge that one size does not fit all, it only gives us just one set of instructions to follow. I happen to like this because I want to know what I should do. Given too many options and being told every way can be the right way, I am left lost as to what to do and am no better off than before I started the process.
There are 7 chapters with a preface, an epilogue and an appendix. The preface clearly states that this book replicates the contents of Ezzo’s Potty Training 1-2-3. The authors created this book as a complement to their “On Becoming” series. I have not read Potty Training 1-2-3, but given that the authors clearly state that the content is the same, I won’t waste my time with redundant material. Conversely, if you have already read Potty Training 1-2-3, then this book may be a waste of your time.
The first chapter explains readiness. The authors take the approach that you should potty train your child when he or she is ready, which is the standard approach in the U.S. As an Asian-American who is well-aware of the elimination communication practices in Asia, I found the first chapter to be illuminating as to the various developmental stages that children go through as they age from birth and through their toddler years. And, it helped me understand the merits of waiting until the child is ready.
The meat of the book comes in Chapter 4. There, the authors provide a step by step instruction on potty training. Basically, start with a demonstration using a doll or stuffed animal. Use lots of liquids and foods to create thirst so that there will be an output. Then, put your child in underwear and reward your child for being dry and clean. And, obviously, put your child on the potty regularly and reward for output.
I thought the most informative piece of information in this book was the emphasis on staying dry and clean. Other potty training books and guides that I have read completely ignore this point. If anything, they only discuss rewards or praise for peeing or pooping in the potty. This is true, and this book doesn’t ignore that point, but the ultimate goal is staying dry and clean.
The remaining chapters discusses common problems, pitfalls, and questions. The epilogue is a quick summary of the main points of the book.
Lastly, the appendix appears to be an excerpted chapter from On Becoming Toddlerwise. It has nothing to do with potty training, but rather, it is about creating routine and structure in your toddler’s life.
Overall, I thought this book was easy, quick, and fun to read. It got straight to the point and provided a clear set of instructions. Although this book does acknowledge that one size does not fit all, it only gives us just one set of instructions to follow. I happen to like this because I want to know what I should do. Given too many options and being told every way can be the right way, I am left lost as to what to do and am no better off than before I started the process.
June 15, 2020
This book was helpful to me for the general idea of how potty training should go, but I did not actually find their method completely helpful or end up using that method. I'm giving it 4 stars for the general tips and theory behind the method, though, because that was very helpful in putting together a plan that would work in my family.
December 27, 2025
Informative. To be determined how helpful
June 18, 2017
I only found two pieces of information to be helpful in this book—using a stuffed animal or doll to demonstrate the steps of potty training at the very beginning and only giving rewards for "staying clean and dry," rather than just for peeing in the potty. This prevents you from creating a potty monster who puts two drops in the potty and then demands candy.
Honestly, the book you want to read if you want to potty train well is Oh Crap! Potty Training by Jamie Glowacki. Pottywise just doesn't offer enough practical help and troubleshooting advice.
Honestly, the book you want to read if you want to potty train well is Oh Crap! Potty Training by Jamie Glowacki. Pottywise just doesn't offer enough practical help and troubleshooting advice.
June 9, 2008
LOVED this book. It is very short, so it is quick to read over and make notes on how to go about potty training. It uses the same concept as other books, but for some reason this worked better for Courtney and I. It has only been three days, but she is basically trained except for nights. It went a lot quicker than I thought and I would recommend this book to anyone trying to potty train. I still think it totally depends on the kid, but this a good place to start.
April 30, 2019
2023: It was time to pull out this gem again as I prepared to potty-train my fourth child. So good and helpful.
2021:
Just finished my third read of this book. I've used it to potty-train three children, and I highly recommend this book.
While finishing the book, I rediscovered the appendix on structure and routines for toddlers. It's definitely shaping some ideas for 2022.
2021:
Just finished my third read of this book. I've used it to potty-train three children, and I highly recommend this book.
While finishing the book, I rediscovered the appendix on structure and routines for toddlers. It's definitely shaping some ideas for 2022.
April 19, 2023
Helpful for potty training older toddlers.
December 26, 2025
Good book, but lots of repetition, it could have been summarised in 5 pages.
Main takeaways are:
1. don't start until they show signs of readiness including interest in imitating adults/siblings by wanting to explore the toilet
2. use a doll to show the whole process, "is the doll dry and clean"? if yes give treats then put on the potty, make the doll pee then make a big deal give double treats.
3. repeat the process with your toddler.
4. introduce lots of fun drinks & treats. different levels of treats depending on the challenges. some kids urinate but refuse to 💩
5. parents have to empty their schedule for 4 days to do this whole process. they shouldn't be going to work, travelling, having a new baby, relocating, or anything that might disturb the process.
6. only reward being dry and clean and doing it in the potty. DO NOT reward just sitting on the potty.
Main takeaways are:
1. don't start until they show signs of readiness including interest in imitating adults/siblings by wanting to explore the toilet
2. use a doll to show the whole process, "is the doll dry and clean"? if yes give treats then put on the potty, make the doll pee then make a big deal give double treats.
3. repeat the process with your toddler.
4. introduce lots of fun drinks & treats. different levels of treats depending on the challenges. some kids urinate but refuse to 💩
5. parents have to empty their schedule for 4 days to do this whole process. they shouldn't be going to work, travelling, having a new baby, relocating, or anything that might disturb the process.
6. only reward being dry and clean and doing it in the potty. DO NOT reward just sitting on the potty.
January 27, 2021
Fast, easy read. Finished in one day, even taking care of babies! I like the concepts in it. I will try to remember to come update my review after actually doing the potty training. Lots of helpful information in a concise form. I like the idea of rewarding a child for staying dry, rather than just using the potty.
May 1, 2019
This was a very quick read. While I did take away a few tips that truly helped with potty training my stubborn toddler, I think this easily could have been an article in a parenting magazine rather than a full book. It was very repetitive. I'm not sure it was worth $10...
March 23, 2018
Informative
Fast read for when you know it is time to start potty training. I think it will be easy to follow.
Fast read for when you know it is time to start potty training. I think it will be easy to follow.
June 26, 2018
I had high hopes for this book because I previously found On Becoming Babywise to be so helpful. But this book really fell short. Not very useful at all.
January 24, 2019
This was a helpful read for getting started with the process. It’s perfect for anyone asking “Is my child ready?” or “Where do I begin?” So far the method and advice is proving to be helpful.
September 6, 2019
This is super helpful in deciphering certain cues to tell whether a child is ready to be potty trained. I found it insightful without being too restrictive.
September 18, 2019
3.5 stars. Some good tips.
January 1, 2020
Simple and straightforward
It brought up some very good points I hadn't thought about. Hopefully this will be helpful. Only time will tell.
It brought up some very good points I hadn't thought about. Hopefully this will be helpful. Only time will tell.
September 6, 2020
Definitely some good info, like rewarding for staying dry, not going on the potty necessarily, and I was glad to see that we've always done the developmental readiness approach.
November 5, 2021
I don't prefer the gender stereotypes referenced in Pottywise but there are great recommendations for potty training and structuring your toddlers day. Highly recommended!
November 14, 2024
Great advice how to (hopefully) successfully potty train.
don-t-want-to-read-after-all
April 26, 2025I mean, I read part of it. And of course, the authors come across easy to understand. Mostly practical advice.
May 9, 2025
Short and to the point. Exactly what I wanted for help with potty training. Worth the read.
July 23, 2026
There were a couple typos in the book.
September 12, 2026
Child abuse.
"There are some things that allow me to judge someone immediately: first, an admiration for Ezzo..."
"There are some things that allow me to judge someone immediately: first, an admiration for Ezzo..."
January 16, 2016
Again, I'm on a baby/toddler/pottywise kick. I liked this approach to potty training. The book was a little wordy and repetitive, but I thought the principles presented were good. I liked that they talked about rewarding your child for staying clean and dry, not just for using the bathroom. They also gave several approaches ranging from training in just a few days to a more relaxed approach of training over the coarse of several weeks. They did emphasize that once you start it's best to be consistent and stick with it. Don't waffle back and forth between diapers and underwear.
Basic Steps:
1. Clear your calendar for 1-4 days to give focused attention to potty training, minimizing unnecessary interruptions.
2. Create thirst through appropriate snacks.
3. Have plenty of fun liquids available.
4. Have your toddler offer a drink to the doll.
5. In a few minutes, ask your toddler to check the doll for dryness.
6. Have your toddler offer the doll a small treat for "staying dry."
7. Wait a few minutes, and then have her sit the doll on the potty and listen for the appropriate sound.
8. Show her how to clean up.
9. Wait a few minutes and then ask your toddler to check herself for dryness.
10. Offer her a reward for staying dry and clean.
11. Have her sit on the potty while you hold a double treat in your hands.
12. When she goes, use praise and rewards for "staying dry and clean."
13. Follow up during the next several days by asking, "Are your pants dry?" Give enthusiastic praise when they are and reward.
Use a potty schedule. Have your child sit on the potty at regular intervals; in the morning, after meals, before and after naps, and at bedtime. Don't ask her if she wants to sit. Simply tell her, "It's time to sit." This will help move her toward a consistent daytime routine that includes regular trips to the potty.
Basic Steps:
1. Clear your calendar for 1-4 days to give focused attention to potty training, minimizing unnecessary interruptions.
2. Create thirst through appropriate snacks.
3. Have plenty of fun liquids available.
4. Have your toddler offer a drink to the doll.
5. In a few minutes, ask your toddler to check the doll for dryness.
6. Have your toddler offer the doll a small treat for "staying dry."
7. Wait a few minutes, and then have her sit the doll on the potty and listen for the appropriate sound.
8. Show her how to clean up.
9. Wait a few minutes and then ask your toddler to check herself for dryness.
10. Offer her a reward for staying dry and clean.
11. Have her sit on the potty while you hold a double treat in your hands.
12. When she goes, use praise and rewards for "staying dry and clean."
13. Follow up during the next several days by asking, "Are your pants dry?" Give enthusiastic praise when they are and reward.
Use a potty schedule. Have your child sit on the potty at regular intervals; in the morning, after meals, before and after naps, and at bedtime. Don't ask her if she wants to sit. Simply tell her, "It's time to sit." This will help move her toward a consistent daytime routine that includes regular trips to the potty.
June 12, 2011
I used this book to potty train my 2 year old daughter this week. The method proved to be successful- yay! We took one full day to use the doll on the potty, give rewards for staying dry, etc. and she was pretty much trained after that first day. So I'm very grateful for the points and advice of this short book. It seems to me though, that there could have been much more detail and practical advice included. Half the book is supplemental info, like structuring your toddler's day, that has nothing to do with potty training. I felt like I was left hanging as far as knowing specifics, but it was a great resource.
August 21, 2016
There were some basic sentence structure errors and spelling mistakes that popped up here and there. Mostly I found the book was based on part medical advice, part basic common understanding of toddlers and what motivates them. One thing I did not understand was that the book references how the "normal" age at which children potty train is "so and so months old". It is very hard to say what "normal" is when it comes to children. In the end, I saw pieces of the book I wanted to use in my own home, and some I would forget about.
April 7, 2009
I really liked how this book presented the task of potty training. It explained things from the physical changes a child goes through, techniques you can apply, being prepared yourself as the mother, and the signs of when your child is ready. It actually got me excited for potty training! I think it provided a lot of great information that made me feel confident and comfortable with the idea of potty training. Read it! So far things have gone well with my son!
July 2, 2013
I am so happy I chose to read this book! The idea of potty training my son has been so daunting and I have had no confidence whatsoever. But while reading this book, I was so pleased to discover that the methods discussed really make sense to me and feel right for my situation. Also, it seems simple and not so scary anymore! I'm so glad to be armed with this method and information to prepare to begin training my son. I'm confident it will work!
July 25, 2009
I really like this author and have loved his other books so when it came time to think about potty-training I started with his book. Easy, quick read. Straight-forward approach. I'll see if it works and may change my verdict on the book. lol
June 26, 2010
This book basically says what most potty training books say, with a few exceptions. Actually, there were serveral helpful tips that weren't in other books and it was easy to skim. I will be using several methods from it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews