The Common Sense Mom

Dispensing the common sense wisdom you expect from Mom.

Book Review

Toilet Training in Less Than a Day
By Nathan Azrin

Quit diapers cold-turkey?! Can you really potty train a toddler in less than one day? I frequently get smirks of disbelief when I mention the possibility. Our family is living proof that it is possible and even exciting. Did you find pleasure helping your little one learn to walk? What about fitting shapes into a puzzle? As parents, we enjoy helping our children accomplish new skills. Likewise, potty training can be a rewarding experience rather than a 6-month exercise in frustration.

This little book is worth its weight in gold. It explains a method of potty training toddlers that was originally developed to toilet train mentally impaired adults who had never been successfully trained. The method worked so well that it was adapted to potty train toddlers.

So, how does it work? First, set aside a day (or at least a morning) without interruptions or distractions. Just like training in any new skill, you demonstrate for the child what is expected (use a wetting doll for this). Practice with your child the skills involved and reward each positive attempt. Make sure your child gets a lot to drink so there are many chances for practice and success. When accidents happen, you remind the child of what they have learned, and you help them practice running to the potty, pulling down their pants, and sitting on the potty. Throughout the training, you will emphasize that dry pants are good and wet pants are yucky.

The book gives detailed instructions for accomplishing all this. There is a readiness test to help you decide when your child is ready.

It truly is as simple and straightforward as it sounds. After potty training four children using the methods outlined in this book, I really cannot imagine attempting it any other way. This book will save you money on diapers, pull-ups, and laundry. It will save you countless hours of trouble and frustration. Highly recommended.

Read The Common Sense Mom's Potty Training Hints and Tips.