books for potty training tots
Books can be an easy and helpful way to prepare your toddler for the new routines and expectations they’ll experience during Potty Training.
I used to not be a fan of kids books about potty training. I felt that most of them talk about some sort of reward system, or they talk about pullups—both of which are largely irrelevant to my clients. I avoided them because the last thing I wanted to do was create confusion for their kids about the process.
Despite this, I’ve recently come across some books I’ve been recommending time and time again to clients. I’ve found these to be helpful in illustrating different aspects of potty training like stool withholding and resistance.
For younger kids:
Intimidated by the new potty, the toddler in the book investigates the cat's and dog's solutions. Several sound effects and wiggles later, the youngster gives the potty a shot with eventual success and accolades.
Daniel learns that there are bathrooms in lots of places and that he can use the bathroom in the shop or anywhere else in the neighborhood.
Both a matter-of-fact, educational guide and a hilarious romp through poop territory that will appeal to young listeners over and over again.
For Stool Withholders:
This clever rhyming book stars Jane, a karate enthusiast who hasn’t been her sunny self lately. When her giant poop clogs the toilet, Jane visits Dr. Pooper and learns why her belly has been aching. Soon, Jane becomes an expert about poop in all its shapes — pebbles, logs, globs, milkshakes, and cow patties.
Meatball the puppy is scared to poo. He is afraid that his poos will hurt so he tries to make them "disappear" by holding them inside his body. Unfortunately those poos keep sneaking back in frustrating, embarressing ways. Meatball learns that the only way to REALLY make his poos disappear is to push them out!
Danny would sit anywhere and everywhere: a comfy couch, a bean bag chair, his mom’s lap, a playground swing.
The one place Danny wouldn’t sit?
The toilet.
A cautionary tale for the procrastinator in us all, this hilarious picture book romp will have readers vowing alongside Clayton Parker: “Before I go out anywhere, I’ll always try to pee.”