All about
Potty
by Eri Akbar
Potty training is a rite of passage for every child – and parents! It’s important for practitioners to offer support to
children and their families through this sometimes challenging process. It’s worthwhile reading a book on this
topic to the children to encourage them and to help them understand what to expect. Why not read one of
these books while the little ones go about their ‘business’? It’s a great opportunity to talk to children about how
they feel and make it a shared experience.
Once Upon a Potty by Alona Frankel
Considered a classic potty training book, the book follows a toddler
learning how to use a potty. It is available in two versions, one for girls
and one for boys, which is helpful as the little ones can identify with
the (anatomically appropriate) images. The big pictures and simple
narration make it engaging for the little ones!
On My Potty by Leslie Patricelli
In this book, the familiar toddler character (who pops up frequently in Patricelli’s series)
takes readers on a journey. It helps children to deal with feelings that indicate potty time
– from feeling a tummy ache and sometimes having to go during a music class. It
culminates in the adorable character taking off his nappy, sitting on the potty and saying
triumphantly, “I did it!”
Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi
A fun read, tackling a subject that is sometimes not easy to express out loud. This book
explains the scientific process in a simple manner that will answer any curious child’s
question on why they need to poop. It also shows that animals, too, need to poop, so
children feel everyone, including them, carry out this normal, daily routine!
Pirate Pete’s and Princess Polly’s Potty Book: Potty Training
for Boys and Girls by Andrea Pinnington
A perfect choice for children who are interested in the theme of pirates and princesses.
These stories will not only encourage children to be brave to use the potty, but will also
show parents the way to alleviate their children’s anxieties during potty time. What
makes it more interesting is that you can press the ‘cheer’ sound effect to motivate the
little ones to copy the characters.
Potty tip – remember to observe when a child is ready to be potty trained. They will
usually tell you – by showing that they are able to indicate their bladder/bowel
movement and desire to be independent e.g. trying to dress themselves. It’s
important for parents and practitioners to support the child in the same manner
throughout the day to achieve results.