[SchmennaLeigh]

So, we're still stalled out on potty training/learning. Not a bad place to be and still considered advanced for his age in some circles. Our pediatrician said to hold off anyway until after the holidays because of travel and schedule interruptions.

And so, I come to you asking if you all know of children's books (beyond "Once Upon a Potty") or DVDs that help kids understand and/or get interested in potty training. He really, really likes to incorporate books into what he's doing. (For example, the books we got preparing him for big brotherhood were a huge hit even after Parker came.)

All suggestions welcome.

[dragonfly1234]

I can tell you with two boys that we have tried many things. We also learned they are each such different individuals that each will learn when the time is right.

Our first we used a book titled "Once Upon A Potty" they are written for a boy or girl. He really liked it and we also had a potty video by Elmo. We had the clip on potty to the toilet. With our oldest it just seemed to happened over night.

Then comes our second son who is full of lots of energy from the get go....lol He started to potty train at 18 months then something happened and obviously he was not ready. We then started with a sit down potty for him. He did okay but still had many accidents. Someone on this forum suggested the video "Potty Power" and said it is rather bad to watch as a parent and I have to agree but my son in about 2 days was going potty on the "big boy" toilet and has not had a problem since then. In the beginning we would do the high five when he did potty power. Meaning he went potty on the toilet. He got so excited and happy that I was happy for him. 6 months later he still does ask if he could watch Potty Power.

Just remember that each boy is different and each will potty when the time is right for them and what is frustrating for us as parents we want it now. Just when we think it will never happen...it will just happen for them and for us. Patience and talk about it alot.

Good luck Jenna....all will work out!

[Emster]

Jenna I like that we are always just right behind Nick developmentally/milestone wise. You ask good questions and I always learn as you go before me

[SchmennaLeigh]

Starting at 18 months, something happening to show he wasn't ready AND full of energy sounds just like Nick! LOL

I just read some of the reviews of Potty Power, including a really detailed one describing each of the scenes, etc, and I think it is something Nick might really be interested in.

that said, he's now throwing blocks. gotta go.

[dragonfly1234]

I have to say I have yet to see all of Potty Power because I just cannot sit through it even though I should so I know what is on the dvd....but my son watched it atleast 8 times a day for several days. The third day he was sitting on the potty and he told me he was doing potty power.

Good luck!

[HBV]

H likes Elmo's Potty Time (and the book)

We also have "Everyone Poops".

Both suggestions come w/ a caveat---we aren't really there yet. The Elmo video is probably better for raising interest in the idea of using the potty, so Nick may be past that stage.

[Slatond10]

DD liked "Elmo Potty Time". We watched it over and over and over. She was a huge Elmo fan so we had both the book and the DVD.

Good luck!

[dragonfly1234]

I have to say we also have "Elmos potty Time" (loved the dvd)and my youngest loves elmo and has almost all the different elmos....but the turning point for "him" was another dvd.

I realize each child is different as were both my boys...they each had different agendas for potty training for mom and dad.

Good luck Jenna and I know that all will be okay!

[Barksum]

We have "Once Upon a Potty", which our 15 year old finds horribly icky. "MAAAAWWMMM!! They show the kids bending over and a little dot for their...um...you know...!!" The younger (9, 6, 3, 2) kids all watched it too, but didn't really comment about it or sing any songs or anything. It was kind of 'ho hum', no big deal.

We rented "Potty Power" and the response was more enthusiastic. All the kids agreed it was just fine. The two youngest sang the songs and really liked it, and watched it numerous times. Personally I would read the 'Once Upon a Potty' books with my kids again, but wouldn't purchase the video. If I were to purchase another potty video I'd go with 'Potty Power' because the kids all sang the songs and actually watched and remember it - not because I liked/enjoyed it. I'm like Dragonfly...I haven't actually watched the whole DVD, but have listened to it in the background for hours. Dh watched it with the kids once or twice. He may have napped through some of it, though. LOL

The only other advice I have about potty training is to be low key and not get too uptight or in a hurry. We're going to be attempting to step up a bit with our 2 yo, but the 3 yo isn't ready yet. I have this feeling the 2 yo will help to teach/motivate the 3 yo.