Potty training – one of the (many) charged topics of early parenting. Today I’m going to put aside the politics and talk to you about a book that can help you potty train your toddler. It works for tots 18+ months. It’s simple and encouraging.  You and your toddler can do this.

A Word About Readiness

I enjoy reading Andrea’s books – her style is encouraging, simple, and to-the-point. She gives you confidence that you can do this – and your kid can too.  So I felt confident as soon as I read that this book helps to potty train your kiddos at 18+ months.

The Tiny Potty Training Book

But you may feel a little skeptical about the thought of potty training a toddler at only 18 months.  This chart from The Tiny Potty Training Book is very interesting:

Take a peek at that red “X” – that’s when the disposable diaper came along.  And what happened just after?  The “wait for readiness” alarm was sounded… and the potty training age went way up.

You might be thinking to yourself that that’s okay – after all, potty training methods were “harsh” before that point because kids “weren’t ready.”  But that’s not true.  Potty training was generally matter-of-fact and unemotional.  Not harsh, angry, or even coercive (I’d argue our current “methods” tend to be more coercive). If you look at babies in cultures lacking disposable diapers today, you’ll see that their babies and toddlers are often continent quite early – and the methods used aren’t mean.  They’re firm but respectful.

And since they involve toileting oneself, they’re much kinder to a child’s self esteem and self dignity.

I won’t spend any longer on this topic because Andrea covers it in detail in the book – briefly in the introductory sections and more in-depth at the end.  If readiness is a concern for you, she’s got you covered 🙂

The Plan

Andrea begins her plan by giving you the tools you need to be successful.  As she explains, your child is ready for this.  The biggest problem with potty training is usually the parent!  So she covers in her no-nonsense, yet encouraging, way exactly what you need to do to get ready to help your toddler find potty training success 🙂

Once through that pep talk, you launch right into the plan:

Doesn’t that awesome graphic just make everything seem clean, clear, and completely do-able?  I felt more confident as soon as a saw it.  Finally a matter-of-fact, step-by-step way to finish potty training (most of you know I’m a fan of elimination communication, and so is Andrea, for that matter.  Both of us believe that EC “graduation” is important, however.  The Tiny Potty Training Book is going to help you finish EC, or potty train your non-EC’d tot).

Phase 1

Phase 1 is all about giving your child the foundation for successful potty training (or potty learning or whatever you want to call it – I have no trouble with potty training because to me training = greater success in life, personal development, and career development, which are all positive results of training).

At first things look similar to elimination communication – you’re going to give your child some naked time.  Don’t worry, Andrea covers how to do this and still keep the house clean.  This step is essential, though, because it gives your child awareness.

Once this awareness has been created, it’s time to progress.  And progression is important – we wear pants (or skirts) in this society!  But I think figuring out how to go from “trained while naked” to “trained enough not to wet pants” is a real puzzle for many parent/tot duos.  Andrea has seen this issue over and over with clients, and shares proven steps to get  your toddler to stay dry – with clothes on!

She also covers how to handle going out and about in the newly potty trained period.

Phase 2

Phase 2 builds on the first phase to cover getting to complete independence.  I really like this section because it builds upon the basics – and builds your child’s dignity at the same time.

Corwin is 2 years old right now (28 months) and has been potty trained since 16 months.  But he still needs a lot of help with pants and help with wiping.  Phase 2 has great information on how I can teach Corwin to handle getting his own pants down (I never realized one simple change could help him completely master this skill!).  Andrea also gives a couple of options to help teach him the basics of wiping.  I’ll be supervising for quite a while still, but knowing that I can help him start to develop the coordination to handle it himself is great.  This was tough to teach my older kids – Andrea’s method is much better!

She also covers what to do if you meet resistance in the process (hint – it’s probably the opposite of what you’re thinking you need to do!).  And, of course, she covers how to handle accidents, and more importantly, how to help your toddler handle them.

Phase 3

Phase 3 covers naptime and bedtime.  You can do this phase along with Phase 1, or you can do a it a little later.  It’s really up to you, and Andrea covers how to make the right choice for your family.

This is another point in the process that gets intimidating, and it’s a place that many parents fall into the “Pull-Up” trap.  Pull-ups and other “training pant” brands really are diapers, and they send mixed messages to kids.  Use the steps in Phase 3 to handle naptime and nighttime training without anxiety on your part – or pressure on your child’s part.

Supplies & Background

As I mentioned above, Andrea does cover the historical and cultural background of potty training.  Many of us like understanding how life worked for families in traditional cultures and in past cultures, and a peek into potty training is fascinating.  If you like knowing where babies have gone before your time, this section will give you a well-documented glimpse.

The Tiny Potty Training Book also covers supplies that are useful to have on hand when potty training.  I love babies and all the accessories that go along with them, so I always like these sections of books.  But even if you’re not so into the baby gear, the suggestions here will help you get off to the right start and make sure you have what your child needs to be independent and confident when going potty (at home and on the go).

Troubleshooting and Special Situations

The book sums up with a troubleshooting section.  Most families won’t need this section, and almost no family will need all of it – but if there are specific issues you’re worried about, this is where to turn.  Andrea continues to give solid, no-nonsense strategies to help you overcome any issues and create a win-win situation for yourself and your little one.

She also covers issues like potty training multiples and special needs children.

Ready to Potty Train?

Grab The Tiny Potty Training Book!

You can easily read through the main method in one sitting, make your plan, and get started potty training your little one!  Andrea’s writing is simple, step-by-step, and encouraging.

As a parent, you’re your child’s most trusted teacher.  Potty training is a great teaching opportunity, and your toddler is intelligent and ready for this adventure! “Going potty” boosts confidence, self-esteem, and respects your child’s dignity.  You can help your child take this step right now – The Tiny Potty Training Book.

These are affiliate links and I do make a small commission if you purchase the book through my link. I really appreciate your support, and you can feel confident I recommend only pregnancy & baby products I or my students trust and have success with!

Tiny Potty Training Book