Cue scary music. Potty training is always a topic that my circle of friends and I constantly complain talk about. I truly believe that as a parent, it is one of the hardest stages to go through with a child. Potty training my first son seemed like a roller coaster ride that just wouldn’t end! I am dreading potty training my youngest.
This week, I found a bunch of books that might appeal to your diapered babe, and get them interested in using the grown-up potty. I also found some helpful hints that I’m hoping will make this dreaded task a bit more bearable, productive, and less daunting!
What We’re Reading:
Leslie Patricelli (Author, Illustrator)
Alyssa Satin Capucilli (Author)
Dorothy Stott (Illustrator)
Sesame Street – Elmo’s Potty Time
Kevin Clash, Bill Barretta (Actors)
Emily Squires (Director)
Karen Katz (Author, Illustrator)
Alyssa Satin Capucilli (Author)
Dorothy Stott (Illustrator)
Samantha Berger (Author)
Amy Cartwright (Illustrator)
Even Firefighters Go to the Potty
Wendy Wax, Naomi Wax (Authors)
Stephen Gilpin (Illustrator)
Samantha Berger (Author)
Amy Cartwright (Illustrator)
Editors of Publications International, Ltd. (Authors)
Tom Brannon (Illustrator)
David Hochman, Ruth Kennison (Authors)
Derek Anderson (Illustrator)
Printable Charts:
Get the chart to the right for FREE at The Scrap Shoppe Blog! This printable potty chart is available in girl, boy, or gender-neutral colors.
FreeBehaviorCharts.com also has tons of FREE themed printables for your toddler to choose from including flowers, fire trucks, frogs, dolphins, and many, more! Using these printables will help make sure your training tot never gets bored!
My Sweet Swirls has a punchable potty card (pictured to the right) offered on ETSY for $6.00. Upon purchase, you will receive a PDF file via email that you can print when needed. This is a great way to keep track of potty training on the go, because the card can easily fit in your pocket or purse.
Check Out These Sites:
Pull-Ups has a great site that is geared toward parents and their potty training tots. They offer a wide variety of printable tools including charts, coloring pages, and even a door hanger for the bathroom door. You’ll also find a “potty dance” and song to get your little one excited about their new adventure.
Nick Jr. is another great site that has a lot to offer in the potty training d
epartment. There are Blues Clues coloring pages, Dora the Explorer certificates, potty songs, and even information on different potty training methods to help you decide what will work best for you and your child.
Apps For Potty Training!
iGo Potty App, made by Pull-Ups brand, is FREE, and comes with the following perks:
- Potty time reminders
- Reward stickers
- Games
- Progress tracker
- Certificates
- Positive reinforcement
FREE Potty Training Time App also has a lot to offer:
- A phone call from a children’s book character
- A book
- A video
- Games
- Chart to measure success
- Printables
- Certificates
Tried and True Tips From Our Facebook Friends!
- “I told my son that whenever he flushed the potty, he was feeding the fish that were hungry out in the ocean. He could not stand the thought of the fish being hungry! A little gross to think about, but is working like a charm!!! ” -Megan
- “Don’t push too hard! I started with my daughter at 2. After a couple months of failure, I was frustrated and gave up. Within a few weeks she was wanting to go! She was sick of having wet diapers. Once SHE decided it was time to potty train, it was a done deal. Within a week, she was in underwear full time and has NEVER had an accident since, and she is almost 6 now.” -Courtney
- “I offer opportunity and have them sit for a minute or two while I go, but don’t make a huge fuss. At diaper changes, I encourage them to try, but again, no pressure. My daughter was about 3 when she was completely trained and my 2 yr old son… not interested at all. My advice is offer, but don’t demand or ridicule for trying. Using the potty is probably one thing YOU CANNOT control for your child. They have to want and be ready. Just because they are a certain age, doesn’t make them any more ready. PATIENCE and lots of changes of clothes!!!” -Sara
- “Wait until summer then use a lot of prayer and patience! ” -Danielle
- “I potty trained my daughter like a puppy, lol. I took her in the bathroom every hour, but I would initiate potty time by playing her Elmo music player so she knew it was time to go. After the first week, I started to skip every other song but still continued to take her every hour and after 3 1/2 weeks she was potty trained at 18months old.” -Molly
- “Summertime, summertime, summertime… Easy clothes, bribery, consistency, and a lot of patience… I started my twins at the same time. My little guy was easy… Hardly ever an accident – loved to pee outside. My daughter took a bit longer, and a lot more patience… Be prepared for setbacks. Pretty or cool underwater goes a long way in motivating, as does a small treat like M & Ms. I read somewhere not to worry. Obviously we all figured it out at some point!” -Stephanie