When I started potty training Bean 4 months ago, I just went by the seat of my pants. I thought about logically how I might teach someone to use the potty independently and guessed at what might work. Combine that with what I had "heard" about how to potty train, and we at least had a starting point. But those vague notions were not good enough. I needed some real advice. Here is the comprehensive training guide I need: The Potty Training Answer Book by Karen Deerwester. The subtitle states Practical Answers to the Top 200 Questions Parents Ask.... and I believe it!
This book is perfect for so many reasons. First of all, it is small. It fits easily into the palms of my hands and the compact size is ideal. Secondly, it is organized logically. Every chapter is basically a list of questions grouped by relevance. The first page of each chapter lists every question answered in that chapter, so it is easy for you to find more discussion on any particular topic. Like, for example, in the first chapter alone(Potty Training Basics) I saw at a glance that I could find the answer to 1)when is the right age to train Bean; 2)whether to teach Bean to potty sitting down or standing; 3)whether to train for pee or poop first -- and many others. Third, with over 200 questions addressed you are sure to find advice on just about any potty training issue you can think of. And I mean that.
What I like best about the book is the fact that Deerwester does not claim to be a know-it-all. She offers both unique ideas as well as classic advice updated for this day and age. Her tone is gentle and caring, and more than once she reminds you to do what is right for your child. She wants to help you minimize frustration as you help your child maximize his success. The most important thing to me is that she offers more than one way to accomplish the goal, so that it is all the more easier to pick and choose what will work best for your toddler.
Bean and I have hit many roadblocks along the way and even now he is only half-trained. But thanks to this book, I now know that Bean is not lagging behind his peers, we could definitely improve on our method, and there is no need for tears from either party as we tackle this new stage of his life. But most of all, we know that with my direction (and the help of this book) he will succeed.
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