Potty Training Doesn't Have to be a Battle

Hello Parents,

Potty training is one of the bigger obstacles that we as parents face. It can be a time of great stress and worry for the entire family. My wife and I are currently in that process with our youngest child. It has been a challenge to say the least! If you are in the same boat, take heart! Potty training IS something that your child will get the hang of.

I think we tried all of the strategies that the books suggested. We tried putting cereal in the toilet for target practice. We tried charts and stickers to mark progress. We tried our best to encourage our son the best that our patience would allow. Unfortunately, there were also times of great stress. There were times when we were convinced that our child simply wasn't trying. There were countless evenings when our little one would come home from day care with several pairs of soiled underpants. We had reached the point of great frustration.

I'm a little ashamed to say that we even went the punishment route sometimes. Encouragement and games certainly weren't working! But, we soon found out that punishment wouldn't work either. Our son seemed destined to reach potty training success and high school graduation at about the same time.

Then one day something miraculous happened! Our son seemed like he woke up one day with potty prowess. It was like a light was switched on in his head. He started to tell us when he had to go with regularity. Our son was actually going in the potty!

We are still working on it, however. There are still times when he has accidents, but they are getting to be fewer and further between. I want you all to know that your son or daughter will get the potty thing. Muster all of the patience you can and be ready for a grand celebration.

They will get it!

In the meanwhile, continue to give them all the help that you can. Our new book, Ferdinand Uses the Potty, is a fun story about a little yellow frog that decides that the time has come to use the potty. It's encouraging, educational, and fun!

Sincerely,

Jay Tucker
Author of Ferdinand Uses the Potty

D.E. West
Illustrator of Ferdinand Uses the Potty