While the book doesn’t have to necessarily be about poop,
Everybody Poops and anything that combines Elmo with the toilet
seem to be kid favorites. Ditto for Elmo on any videos about poop. I
personally don’t think you need any kiddie-potty videos, but if you
can stand them, have at it. Elmo = toddler crack. But I’m not telling
you anything you don’t already know.
Respect privacy. As potty training progresses, your child will request
more and more privacy. Even in the beginning phases, however,
while you do have to be present, don’t get all up in your child’s
business. Don’t keep looking between her legs or lifting her butt to
see if anything is happening. You can be right beside her to assist or
read without being focused on the action. Sometimes it even helps to
look away or whistle, like you have no idea what’s happening.
Make it a habit to show or tell your child where the bathroom is
in any new setting, including stores. Something simple, like, “Oh,
we’re in Target now. You know they have a bathroom over there in
the back. Just let me know when you need to use it.” When relevant,
specify who, if anyone, is available to help. This is great for when you
have a play date at someone else’s home. Kids get confused—they
may know you are a grown-up, but may not know that Pascal’s mom is
also a grown-up who can help. The “status” of teenagers can also be
confusing to kids. If you are around teenagers who are willing and
able to help your child, you can point them out. This is important
because accidents tend to happen more frequently outside of the
home due to reduced vigilance on your part and more distractions.
Sometimes your time frame for getting to the potty is reduced