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Tried and True
A Potty Training Refresher By Teri Brown
Out of all the approaches Dr. Glasser gives, teaching the skills is probably the one that gives parents the most difficulty. On a recent parenting special, Dr. Phil showed parents how to use a doll to show young children how to use the potty. Other methods include showing them videos or books on the subject.
Two-time Caldicott Honor Winner Mo Willems wrote the book, Time to Pee! (Hyperion, 2003), to help parents broach the subject of potty training with their children. The book is tremendously funny for grownups and helpful for children. It even comes with stickers in the back to give to your child as you potty train them – some say the traditional "Nice Work!" while others read "Nice Aim" or "Better Luck Next Time!"
"I just wanted to make a funny book about the toilet," says Willems. "Hopefully, the book is fun enough to read over and over until (by osmosis) the toilet becomes a cool place to be. Also, as a parent, I know kids don't listen to grownups, but they'll follow the advice of an infestation of sign-carrying mice."
The book came out just as Willems' own daughter was being potty trained, and he believes that certainly helped him write the book. "From personal experience I've found that cheering every pee helps tremendously," says Willems. "Even if it is a stark reminder that you're no longer the party animal you used to be!"
If you are looking for ways to teach your child toilet skills, books such as Time to Pee! or Too Big for Diapers