Potty Training – Part II – The First Step in Potty Training is “Toilet Play”

After your child shows signs of readiness, the second stage of Potty Training is “Toilet Practice.” During Toilet practice children may want to sit on the potty when mommy does — allow for this to happen. Toilet Practice involves helping your curious child to sit on the toilet for a minute, tear off toilet paper, flush, and wash as well as dry his hands. During the toilet practice stage it’s also a good time to read books to your child about potty training.

Here is a list of books for children that can be helpful:

1. The Potty Book for Boys and The Potty Book for Girls by Alyssa Capucilli
2. A Potty for Me by Karen Katz
3. Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi
4. Potty Time with Elmo – editors of Publications International
5. Where’s the Poop? by Julie Markes
6. Boy’s Potty Time or Girl’s Potty Time by Dawn Sirret, OK Publishing
7. Your New Potty by Joanna Cole
8. My Big Boy Potty and My Big Girl Potty by Joanna Cole
9. Going to The Potty: Mister Roger’s Neighborhood – First Experiences by Fred Rogers
10. Once Upon a Potty by Alona Frankel

Parent’s can help guide their children toward potty training by routinely practicing the act of going to the bathroom several times a day so that the process becomes habitual. On another note, don’t be surprised if your toddler’s interest in the potty goes away after the novelty wears off. If he doesn’t want to sit on the toilet anymore – just stop. Be patient, knowing that the next stage will follow soon…

Marilee Hartling RN, MFT | Infant & Child Development Specialist | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.