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Potty Training Boys the Easy Way: Helping Your Son Learn Quickly -- Even If He's a Late Starter
Potty Training Boys the Easy Way is a pediatrician's guide for navigating the challenges unique to toilet training boys. Boys tend to take longer to be trained, learn this skill at later ages, and have different challenges from girls. Parents will find an accessible plan for getting their son trained quickly, clever games to make learning to use the toilet fun, as well as important tips for handling accidents and setbacks.The book includes advice on boy-specific problems, such as whether to teach him to sit or stand and how to aim, dealing with distractions, handling refusals, and staying dry through the night. Practical and reassuring, Potty Training Boys the Easy Way is packed with all the information a family needs to achieve this important milestone calmly and confidently.
146 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2008
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June 26, 2011The first sentence of this book says it all. "If you've got a little boy, then you've probably discovered that he's been dealt an extra dose of energy and lacks some of the common sense that little girls seem to be born with."
How insulting, and untrue. This book is sexist, annoying, uses broad generalizations. I don't believe that boys and girls think the same, but a statement like that oversimplifies things and creates a false image of boys. I wonder if the PullUps people depend on this author to scare parents into forgetting about potty training until their a little older? Despicable.
How insulting, and untrue. This book is sexist, annoying, uses broad generalizations. I don't believe that boys and girls think the same, but a statement like that oversimplifies things and creates a false image of boys. I wonder if the PullUps people depend on this author to scare parents into forgetting about potty training until their a little older? Despicable.
September 7, 2010
I checked out about 5 different potty training books from the library and this is the one that I felt was going to be the best approach with Colton. Colton is very strong-willed, gets bored easy, and needs a "fun" approach and this I felt met his needs. This is not a method that works in one day, like a lot of books out there teach. The method in this book is to train boys in 1-hour increments. Do it for an hour one day, two hours the next, etc. while you work at your sons pace. I am fortunate enough to be able to take a slower approach so this has worked well for us. There's also a chapter for kids that fit Colton's description and it says that a sticker chart works better than a candy reward after going potty. When Colton gets 12 stickers he gets to go on a train ride and he LOVES picking his stickers out and seeing how close he is to the train that I have on the chart. So we've slowly been going at it and I would say that he's successfully pee trained, but not pooped trained. I'm not too worried since he just barely turned 2....we still have plenty of time to practice. =)
February 14, 2012
Potty Training For Boys is a short guide for potty training toddler boys that is based upon the standard approach in the US of waiting until the child is ready. Despite the similarity of waiting until readiness, the advice laid out in this book is rather different from other potty training books that I’ve read. It follows neither the regimented, positive reinforcement approach of Ezzo nor the gentle, comprehensive menu of ideas offered by Pantley. Instead, it advises you to start with short potty training sessions, and you are to ask your child if he wants to go to the potty. If your child says, “Yes,” then great, go ahead and put your child on the potty. But, if your child says, “No,” then you just try again another day. And if your child says, “No,” every single day with no end in sight, this book offers you no alternative. What kind of potty training solution is that?
With a name like Potty Training for Boys, you have to be prepared for some amount of stereotyping by gender. I don’t think that the differences between boys and girls are so large that it warrants to have two separate books – one for boys and one for girls. My guess is that it is just a marketing gimmick. Nevertheless, if you are easily offended by gross generalizations about boys, then you should probably pass on this book.
As for myself, I was willing to overlook the stereotyping had the book better advice to offer. But, I just don’t see how asking a toddler if he is ready to potty train is such a great approach. Having read other reviews, clearly, this approach has worked for some. Bottom line: I’d suggest that you try Ezzo or Pantley first and then only resort to this approach when all else has failed.
With a name like Potty Training for Boys, you have to be prepared for some amount of stereotyping by gender. I don’t think that the differences between boys and girls are so large that it warrants to have two separate books – one for boys and one for girls. My guess is that it is just a marketing gimmick. Nevertheless, if you are easily offended by gross generalizations about boys, then you should probably pass on this book.
As for myself, I was willing to overlook the stereotyping had the book better advice to offer. But, I just don’t see how asking a toddler if he is ready to potty train is such a great approach. Having read other reviews, clearly, this approach has worked for some. Bottom line: I’d suggest that you try Ezzo or Pantley first and then only resort to this approach when all else has failed.
December 31, 2025
I did not find this book to be helpful at all. It seems to be full of anecdotal and questionable advice. For instance, not only does this book suggest you come up with a nickname for your son's *ahem* parts, they actually use the word "willy" throughout the book as the default name for male anatomy. Really?! I am also pretty certain that the whole "left brain vs. right brain" thing has been debunked, but the author (in one of the many sexist passages in the book) asserts that boys are harder to potty train because they utilize only one side of their brain, while girls, who are more creative and thus easier to potty train, have better communication between both sides of the brain. Speaking of sexist, the author also states that it's assumed that the book will be read and used by women- but that men are also welcome to participate (how generous).
Although some of the approaches provided might have been helpful if we were very early on in the process, I was really hoping for the "troubleshooting" I saw touted in reviews. The troubleshooting for our trouble was- not kidding- wait it out, he'll grow out of that eventually. I fell back on good old fashioned bribery and manipulation to get past the road bump instead.
Although some of the approaches provided might have been helpful if we were very early on in the process, I was really hoping for the "troubleshooting" I saw touted in reviews. The troubleshooting for our trouble was- not kidding- wait it out, he'll grow out of that eventually. I fell back on good old fashioned bribery and manipulation to get past the road bump instead.
February 17, 2011
"SERIOUSLY?!?!?" That was what I kept repeating as I read this book. I had high hopes for this one. It promised laid-back "sessions" that (in theory) seemed like they would work best for my crazy schedule, and the Amazon reviews were glowing. I never did figure out exactly what these "sessions" were supposed to entail and I am now wondering if the Amazon reviewers were insane. This book actually instructs you to encourage you child to pee in the bathtub. WHAT??? It's "tips" for dealing with long trips to exotic locales is to not go. Yeah, that's helpful. However, the part that really lost me was when it said that you shouldn't worry about your toddler having to go to the bathroom when you are out at the park: he can just POOP ON THE GROUND if there is no bathroom handy. They actually encourage you to have your boy "water the plants." WTF????????????? At one point the author reveals that her oldest son still needs help wiping himself.... Maybe you shouldn't be writing potty training manuals... just sayin'. Yeesh!!!
July 30, 2015
If only the process was as easy as this book makes it! Our son is resisting training right now (he'll be 3 in October), so we're going to keep with the recommendations made in this book not to pressure him in the hopes he'll come around when he's good and ready (hopefully in another month). Some sound practical advice in here——would recommend parents pick up a copy before their kid turns 2, so they can be that much more prepared for this road they have to walk (that comes WAY faster than you realize!)
March 5, 2012
I am not a fan of the potties-all-over-the-house approach, or letting my son pee all over the place, or encouraging him to pee in the bathtub. It seems that this involves a lot of my son urinating in places other than the toilet, which I would not call potty training.
August 2, 2015
As with all "This is how to do things right" type of books, I don't consider this the Holy Grail of potty training. Having said that, the book has some vary useful advice that can be applied. It's an easy and straightforward read.
Chapter one determines whether or not the boy is ready to begin his potty training. This happens around 27 months. At that age a boy is able to sit, stand and walk easily. Boys will also have a dry diaper for around three hours. Mental readiness is important as well. The child says that he needs to wee/poo. He is interested in mom and dad who use toilet. Says if his nappy is dirty. Wants to flush the toilet and use big boy pants. Find a balance - don't rush, but don't wait too long to begin potty training.
Chapter two - early prep for potty training (as early as 12 months)
-Let baby see the dirty nappy
-Parent shouldn't be disgusted in front of child by dirty nappy, which can be a negative reinforcement
-Take boy to toilet with you
-Have boy watch dad use toilet
-Put a potty in the bathroom so he becomes used to seeing it
-Weeing in the bath. It takes 20 minutes for baby to create wee. When his feet touch the bathwater, he might pee out of reflex. Catch the pee in a cup, and show him with excitement what he did. Explain to him the process of weeing.
Chapter three is about getting ready for the big day
- Going shopping with the boy, and letting him have a sense of control by letting him choose colors, big boy pants, etc
-What to buy - 2 cheap plastic potties (identical), baby toilet seat, stepping stool, big boy pants, trousers (elastics, not zipper or buttons), stickers/stars as rewards, bathroom mat (can be placed on sofa in case of accident - washable, doesn't leak through on sofa)
-What NOT to buy - expensive toilet lookalikes, themed potty, pull-up nappies, training pants, portable potties
Chapter four - D-day - potty training begins in sessions
Step 1 - Ask if baby wants to start wearing his big boy pants today. It's okay if he says no - try again tomorrow.
Step 2 - Put a t-shirt and socks as well. Not wearing too much clothes, will help him remember that he needs to use the potty
Step 3 - give baby a drink. It takes 20 mins after a drink for babies to want to go wee.
Step 4 - Ask if he wants to sit on potty, so that his favorite big boy pants don't get we.
Step 5 - Watch out for wees, suggest every 30 mins to sit on potty for 30 secs (not more often, so boy doesn't feel pressured)
Step 6 - dealing with first accident. Stay positive. Say something like "Oh look you made a wee on the floor. Let's try to get it in the potty next time"
Step 7 - What to do right after first wee/poo on the potty. Make a big deal, so baby knows he's done a really good thing. Call grandma to congratulate him as well.
Step 8 - cleaning the potty. Dump in toilet, then wipe with antibacterial wet wipes. It should not be flushed down the sink.
Chapter 5 - What happens during next few weeks. Days 2-4- going to bathroom in his potty. Sessions should be relaxed and child can receive rewards with stars. Let baby flush his own wee/poo. Days 5-7 he should start asking for the potty. Second week - move from potty to toilet. When he tells you that he needs to go, ask if he would rather use the toilet instead. It's okay if he says no. Keep the potty - it's the symbol of his success and self esteem. It's okay to use the potty. Third week - learn how to wee standing up. If daddy is willing to help, this will be an easier process. Use a cornflake to help him aim.
Chapter 6 - going out - beyond the fourth week
Don't go out without a nappy, unless:
- Baby can tell you when he needs to wee or poo
- Able to sit on toilet
- He can wee standing up
- Barely wears a nappy at home
- Doesn't have more accidents when wearing trousers (compared to wearing just the big boy pants)
First going out needs to be very short, about an hour. A travel changing mat can be placed on stroller, just in case. During the first trip, he might even not need to use the toilet.
Trips can gradually become longer. Boys can "water trees" for wees. If he needs to poo and there's no toilet near by, it's a good idea to carry an emergency diaper (explain to the boy that this is an emergency only). When using public toilet, disinfect it. Boys learn to wipe their own bottoms at the age of four.
Chapter 7 - What to do if boy doesn't fit the mold
Slow learner - laid back boys take longer to learn. Let boy become the teacher and teach Teddy how to use the potty, sit on toilet and put big boy pants on Teddy
Late starter - ages 3+. Restart the training process without rushing boy. Only ask if boy is ready to try big boy pants once a week. Begin with the very basics, such as weeing in a cup during bath time.
Easily bored child - curious, nosing through drawers. Bribe with rewards - small chocolate for example
Frightened boy - fear of pooing. May wait until bedtime, when mom puts on nappies, so they poo in them. Do nothing! As child become more comfortable with weeing in potty, he will be more willing to test out pooing in the potty as well. Keep a fiber rich diet.
Jealous child - usually with new sibblings. Don't get mad if he poo/pee in pants. Clean up, and once done taking care of newborn, then spend time with toddler.
Chapter 8 - night training
Depends on physiological readiness of child - whether or not the brain produces enough of a certain hormone. This means that there is nothing that the child or parent can do to speed up this process. Also depends on size of bladder.
Signs that he is ready to take off the night nappy:
- Nappy is dry in the morning (means that hormone levels are high enough)
- Asks to go for a wee during the night. This means that his need to pee has woken him up.
Wait until boy is in the big bed, so he can go out of bed on his own, when he needs to pee. Minimise night time drinks one hour before bed time. Night wettings are inevitable. Be prepared with clean PJs and sheets beforehand.
Chapter 9 - Some common medical issues that can interfere with potty training
Constipation - talk to GP, feed boy fiber rich foods and give plenty of drinks
Fissures - small anal tears that produce bleeding. They are cause by hard/dry stools. Always needs to be confirmed by GP. Fissures are painful.
Some other medical issues include urinary tract infection, diabetes, tight foreskin, autism and other learning difficulties.
Chapter one determines whether or not the boy is ready to begin his potty training. This happens around 27 months. At that age a boy is able to sit, stand and walk easily. Boys will also have a dry diaper for around three hours. Mental readiness is important as well. The child says that he needs to wee/poo. He is interested in mom and dad who use toilet. Says if his nappy is dirty. Wants to flush the toilet and use big boy pants. Find a balance - don't rush, but don't wait too long to begin potty training.
Chapter two - early prep for potty training (as early as 12 months)
-Let baby see the dirty nappy
-Parent shouldn't be disgusted in front of child by dirty nappy, which can be a negative reinforcement
-Take boy to toilet with you
-Have boy watch dad use toilet
-Put a potty in the bathroom so he becomes used to seeing it
-Weeing in the bath. It takes 20 minutes for baby to create wee. When his feet touch the bathwater, he might pee out of reflex. Catch the pee in a cup, and show him with excitement what he did. Explain to him the process of weeing.
Chapter three is about getting ready for the big day
- Going shopping with the boy, and letting him have a sense of control by letting him choose colors, big boy pants, etc
-What to buy - 2 cheap plastic potties (identical), baby toilet seat, stepping stool, big boy pants, trousers (elastics, not zipper or buttons), stickers/stars as rewards, bathroom mat (can be placed on sofa in case of accident - washable, doesn't leak through on sofa)
-What NOT to buy - expensive toilet lookalikes, themed potty, pull-up nappies, training pants, portable potties
Chapter four - D-day - potty training begins in sessions
Step 1 - Ask if baby wants to start wearing his big boy pants today. It's okay if he says no - try again tomorrow.
Step 2 - Put a t-shirt and socks as well. Not wearing too much clothes, will help him remember that he needs to use the potty
Step 3 - give baby a drink. It takes 20 mins after a drink for babies to want to go wee.
Step 4 - Ask if he wants to sit on potty, so that his favorite big boy pants don't get we.
Step 5 - Watch out for wees, suggest every 30 mins to sit on potty for 30 secs (not more often, so boy doesn't feel pressured)
Step 6 - dealing with first accident. Stay positive. Say something like "Oh look you made a wee on the floor. Let's try to get it in the potty next time"
Step 7 - What to do right after first wee/poo on the potty. Make a big deal, so baby knows he's done a really good thing. Call grandma to congratulate him as well.
Step 8 - cleaning the potty. Dump in toilet, then wipe with antibacterial wet wipes. It should not be flushed down the sink.
Chapter 5 - What happens during next few weeks. Days 2-4- going to bathroom in his potty. Sessions should be relaxed and child can receive rewards with stars. Let baby flush his own wee/poo. Days 5-7 he should start asking for the potty. Second week - move from potty to toilet. When he tells you that he needs to go, ask if he would rather use the toilet instead. It's okay if he says no. Keep the potty - it's the symbol of his success and self esteem. It's okay to use the potty. Third week - learn how to wee standing up. If daddy is willing to help, this will be an easier process. Use a cornflake to help him aim.
Chapter 6 - going out - beyond the fourth week
Don't go out without a nappy, unless:
- Baby can tell you when he needs to wee or poo
- Able to sit on toilet
- He can wee standing up
- Barely wears a nappy at home
- Doesn't have more accidents when wearing trousers (compared to wearing just the big boy pants)
First going out needs to be very short, about an hour. A travel changing mat can be placed on stroller, just in case. During the first trip, he might even not need to use the toilet.
Trips can gradually become longer. Boys can "water trees" for wees. If he needs to poo and there's no toilet near by, it's a good idea to carry an emergency diaper (explain to the boy that this is an emergency only). When using public toilet, disinfect it. Boys learn to wipe their own bottoms at the age of four.
Chapter 7 - What to do if boy doesn't fit the mold
Slow learner - laid back boys take longer to learn. Let boy become the teacher and teach Teddy how to use the potty, sit on toilet and put big boy pants on Teddy
Late starter - ages 3+. Restart the training process without rushing boy. Only ask if boy is ready to try big boy pants once a week. Begin with the very basics, such as weeing in a cup during bath time.
Easily bored child - curious, nosing through drawers. Bribe with rewards - small chocolate for example
Frightened boy - fear of pooing. May wait until bedtime, when mom puts on nappies, so they poo in them. Do nothing! As child become more comfortable with weeing in potty, he will be more willing to test out pooing in the potty as well. Keep a fiber rich diet.
Jealous child - usually with new sibblings. Don't get mad if he poo/pee in pants. Clean up, and once done taking care of newborn, then spend time with toddler.
Chapter 8 - night training
Depends on physiological readiness of child - whether or not the brain produces enough of a certain hormone. This means that there is nothing that the child or parent can do to speed up this process. Also depends on size of bladder.
Signs that he is ready to take off the night nappy:
- Nappy is dry in the morning (means that hormone levels are high enough)
- Asks to go for a wee during the night. This means that his need to pee has woken him up.
Wait until boy is in the big bed, so he can go out of bed on his own, when he needs to pee. Minimise night time drinks one hour before bed time. Night wettings are inevitable. Be prepared with clean PJs and sheets beforehand.
Chapter 9 - Some common medical issues that can interfere with potty training
Constipation - talk to GP, feed boy fiber rich foods and give plenty of drinks
Fissures - small anal tears that produce bleeding. They are cause by hard/dry stools. Always needs to be confirmed by GP. Fissures are painful.
Some other medical issues include urinary tract infection, diabetes, tight foreskin, autism and other learning difficulties.
August 25, 2020
Some of the information in the book is common sense and can be applied easily to most potty training situations.
However, some of it came off as sexist (parent-wise) and a little condescending. My son is home with my husband most days that I work. Granted, I’m the one that reads the parenting books for ideas/advice but I share the information and we parent together...the idea that the mom (or maternal figure) is doing 100% of the parenting is outdated and needs to go by the wayside.
I like that this potty training book was slightly more laid back than the Oh Crap book but, even so, potty training is very subjective to each family. This book mentions things not to “waste money on” - some of which are mentioned as tools in the Oh Crap book.
Honestly, it is easier to follow your kids lead. Our kid was too young to officially “potty train” in a handful of days like either of the books mention. That being said, he was super interested in the potty and wanted to use it. Why wait? I don’t like that this book says pull-ups are “prop” for trying to train to early. Why not progress some with your kid when you can? I don’t understand potty training books that are an all-or-nothing stance. It puts way too much pressure on the parents and then the kids feel that.
However, some of it came off as sexist (parent-wise) and a little condescending. My son is home with my husband most days that I work. Granted, I’m the one that reads the parenting books for ideas/advice but I share the information and we parent together...the idea that the mom (or maternal figure) is doing 100% of the parenting is outdated and needs to go by the wayside.
I like that this potty training book was slightly more laid back than the Oh Crap book but, even so, potty training is very subjective to each family. This book mentions things not to “waste money on” - some of which are mentioned as tools in the Oh Crap book.
Honestly, it is easier to follow your kids lead. Our kid was too young to officially “potty train” in a handful of days like either of the books mention. That being said, he was super interested in the potty and wanted to use it. Why wait? I don’t like that this book says pull-ups are “prop” for trying to train to early. Why not progress some with your kid when you can? I don’t understand potty training books that are an all-or-nothing stance. It puts way too much pressure on the parents and then the kids feel that.
December 3, 2018
I’m not one to review the type of books read for home help, but hey it’s nearly Christmas and I’m behind on my reading challenge, so ever book counts!
Having only started this process i can’t comment on the success of this book yet, but what I would say is that for a parent entering into the hell of potty training for the first time, this has actually calmed me. I hate the books with a million list of to dos and not to do. This just gave practical, well rounded advice. I don’t feel I need to go back to this book or follow it to the T. I feel confident that I’ve got this, and if I haven’t that it’ll still all be okay in the end.
Having only started this process i can’t comment on the success of this book yet, but what I would say is that for a parent entering into the hell of potty training for the first time, this has actually calmed me. I hate the books with a million list of to dos and not to do. This just gave practical, well rounded advice. I don’t feel I need to go back to this book or follow it to the T. I feel confident that I’ve got this, and if I haven’t that it’ll still all be okay in the end.
March 4, 2020
I have literally been schlepping this (photocopied) book around for months, I forgot I had it. It's odd that I decided to read it now since both of my boys are potty trained but I thought 'what the heck, it's only 167 pages.' So I read it today and I can honestly say that I did most of everything they recommended in this book. I found the techniques to be helpful and worked on my kids. Nut again this is probably a book I could've read a long time ago, I just happened to pull it our of my backpack and figured since I went to the trouble of photocopying it I could at least read it.
March 30, 2020
This was a much more useful book. I mean, for starters, it was specifically geared towards boys, who apparently have different issues with potty training with girls. It helped me get into the mindset of my almost 2.5 year old son and see things the way he sees them, which helped me a lot. It gave a lot of specific tips and tricks to help boys and made me a lot more confident about quitting potty training for now. I’ll definitely pick it up again when we start again. It also give a lot of troubleshooting and different methods for different boys. Even Justin read this book!!!
July 30, 2018
Well we'll see if anything contained in the book is helpful within a wee while (haha). No seriously though, I would have wanted more clarity on what a 'session' consists of, but other than that, this is basically common sense, trial and error and some gross bits about letting kids piss and shit outside if need be. Weird.
November 29, 2018
I was very interested in the early process: starting slow, lots of praise, take it in small trials... but then I couldn't get behind the rest... especially the going outside bit, or the constant references to him not being ready. It seems any setback means he's not ready.
October 22, 2019
I find this book useful for my child's potty training. Some tips are okay, such as playing small games so that your son can aim perfectly. But some, like the one where they told you to let your son "go" outdoors, is just plain bizarre. But anyway, my son is now potty trained. Mission accomplished.
November 6, 2020
I agree with half the other reviewers, this book is sexist and had me saying wtf more often than not. I actually enjoyed reading the other reviews and got more information from them than actual information gained from this book.
November 18, 2018
Libro bastante normal pero tiene la informacion que me interesaba. Ahora ya no estoy totalmente perdido ni tengo que leer un millon de blogs para hacerme una idea del asunto
October 26, 2019
I found this a good introduction to potty training, and I got some good ideas from it. I appreciate the authors' laid back approach and suggestions for preparing kids to potty train.
June 30, 2020
Will reread as needed when we actually get started.
June 11, 2022
I really enjoyed this read even though I don't have any kids of my own it helped with my siblings I definitely recommend reading this if you are potty training!
February 28, 2023
A good read. Look forward to putting it into practice
April 26, 2023
Helpful and very straightforward.
May 12, 2023
Short and to the point, which is what you need as a parent! I don't know how well it works yet but was pleased at the low pressure, work with your schedule approach.
December 31, 2023
The book was an easy read and included all the basics about potty training.
I am not starting my little one just ye! But definitely in January and hope that goes well!
I am not starting my little one just ye! But definitely in January and hope that goes well!
May 15, 2019
This book contained some useful tidbits of information, but mostly was forgettable and contained a lot of "filler" type of material. Probably about as useful as your average YouTube video, I did learn a few things but it wasn't fantastic. I would get it from the library if you're considering it.
July 15, 2012
The book's method most basically is to potty train in "sessions" and when it gets too hard, there are too many accidents, they are turning it into a battle, you have to leave them or go on a road trip, etc. you end the session. I guess that's what we have been doing for the last year ever since our son expressed an interest at about 1.5 years old.
I had read lots of little summaries of various methods on parenting websites, but sometimes a summary just doesn't cut it for the tips and more in-depth information on personality types and situations that arise when trying to implement a method. I would never have found the information on what to do with the fearful child or the smart child, both of which my son is a combination of, I think, in some online summary. So, for that alone, this book was worth it.
At some point, I think you do, however, need to power through the hard stuff rather than just ending the "session". So, I guess I sort of disagree with the method there.
The book was a really quick read and inspired me to try again and we've been mostly accident free for four days now.
I had read lots of little summaries of various methods on parenting websites, but sometimes a summary just doesn't cut it for the tips and more in-depth information on personality types and situations that arise when trying to implement a method. I would never have found the information on what to do with the fearful child or the smart child, both of which my son is a combination of, I think, in some online summary. So, for that alone, this book was worth it.
At some point, I think you do, however, need to power through the hard stuff rather than just ending the "session". So, I guess I sort of disagree with the method there.
The book was a really quick read and inspired me to try again and we've been mostly accident free for four days now.
September 7, 2010
I checked out about 5 different potty training books from the library and this is the one that I felt was going to be the best approach with Colton. Colton is very strong-willed, gets bored easy, and needs a "fun" approach and this I felt met his needs. This is not a method that works in one day, like a lot of books out there teach. The method in this book is to train boys in 1-hour increments. Do it for an hour one day, two hours the next, etc. while you work at your sons pace. I am fortunate enough to be able to take a slower approach so this has worked well for us. There's also a chapter for kids that fit Colton's description and it says that a sticker chart works better than a candy reward after going potty. When Colton gets 12 stickers he gets to go on a train ride and he LOVES picking his stickers out and seeing how close he is to the train that I have on the chart. So we've slowly been going at it and I would say that he's successfully pee trained, but not pooped trained. I'm not too worried since he just barely turned 2....we still have plenty of time to practice. =)
June 21, 2011
I reserve the right to change my rating later if this doesn't work.
Nico is on the verge of being ready to start this process. He will tell us sometimes, but usually during or just after he pees. He will sit on his potty, fully clothed, for pretend time while Elmo sits on his. He even tries to sit on Elmo's little potty. Of course, he loves to barge on his parents potty breaks, dump his poop-poop out of his diapers into the toilet and flush the the big potty. If he can get his hands on the plunger and the toilet brush while daddy isn't looking, he will surely try.
Since Nico's night time diapers are mostly dry come morning time, he seems to be physically ready to start potty training, now we just need to get his consent and have him buy into the process.
I imagine lift off for this will start in the next month or two, but if doesn't start before Mateo arrives in September, we may have to postpone it a couple of months due to the possible sibling attention and jealousy factor (if it arises).
Will let you know how it goes!
Nico is on the verge of being ready to start this process. He will tell us sometimes, but usually during or just after he pees. He will sit on his potty, fully clothed, for pretend time while Elmo sits on his. He even tries to sit on Elmo's little potty. Of course, he loves to barge on his parents potty breaks, dump his poop-poop out of his diapers into the toilet and flush the the big potty. If he can get his hands on the plunger and the toilet brush while daddy isn't looking, he will surely try.
Since Nico's night time diapers are mostly dry come morning time, he seems to be physically ready to start potty training, now we just need to get his consent and have him buy into the process.
I imagine lift off for this will start in the next month or two, but if doesn't start before Mateo arrives in September, we may have to postpone it a couple of months due to the possible sibling attention and jealousy factor (if it arises).
Will let you know how it goes!
August 1, 2011
As a parent, the best thing to do with your kids is trust your instincts. Sometimes though, it's nice to have your parental instincts reinforced by the advice of others. I've opted for a slow, steady approach to potty training and it's nice to see that type of approach has been successful enough for others to write a book about it.
Having finished it, there were some things I liked, others that I didn't. I really liked the way it constantly reinforced working with your child to potty train, explaining challenges to him, going at his pace, praising him constantly and reminding the parents that accidents are accidents, not set backs. Potty training really is all about the child, and this maintained that focus.
There are some good tips, but also tips and methods I wouldn't use and don't like. So take it for what it is; a resource to help you find your own rhythm in a successful experience for your family, not necessarily the end all rulebook to be followed in it's entirety.
Having finished it, there were some things I liked, others that I didn't. I really liked the way it constantly reinforced working with your child to potty train, explaining challenges to him, going at his pace, praising him constantly and reminding the parents that accidents are accidents, not set backs. Potty training really is all about the child, and this maintained that focus.
There are some good tips, but also tips and methods I wouldn't use and don't like. So take it for what it is; a resource to help you find your own rhythm in a successful experience for your family, not necessarily the end all rulebook to be followed in it's entirety.
September 26, 2009
A quick read. Takes you through the steps of potty training from introducing the idea to your little one all the way through some of the bigger obstacles you may face. The approach is what I would call "casual" potty training. Actually it's an exact opposite approach from the "Potty training in a day" regime, which can be traumatic for your little one and you. There is no guilt in having your child where a diaper or pull ups when out and about. You can leave the house while potty training. (What a concept! Especially when I have other children and can't put everything on hold to potty train my almost 3 year old boy.)
I got a few pointers I will keep in mind for my little guy, things I didn't have to think about when training my daughter.
When the time comes, these ideas should be very useful.
I got a few pointers I will keep in mind for my little guy, things I didn't have to think about when training my daughter.
When the time comes, these ideas should be very useful.
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