The First-Time Parents Guide to Potty Training How to Ditch Diapers Fast and for Good

I bought this book as a guide to potty training my 2.5 year old. I debated between this one and the oh crap book, but ultimately picked this one for a few reasons. First, given that the author is a licensed psychologist, I knew her method would include an empathic approach that would align with my parenting style. Second, my husband and I are full time working parents and we had only a long weekend to begin potty training before our child was back at his daycare which requires that the children wear a diaper or underwear (they cannot go commando per state regulations). For this reason, I felt this book was a better fit than the oh crap method, which apparently requires weeks or months of the child going commando. This just wasn’t an option for us. Additionally, I heard that the oh crap method discourages the use to rewards, and I suspected my son would respond much better to earning rewards (I was right, he did). Overall, this was a great book that helped us get started on our potty training journey. I liked that the author included specific wording to use with the child. And she also included a list of questions to ask daycare, which I utilized. We are early in our potty training journey, but our child is doing great with this method so far. I would recommend this book, especially to busy working parents. It was a quick read, which was key and during the process I reread specific sections. Read more

Let me first start by saying I have been incredibly reluctant to read ANY potty training book, as so many I read reviews on did not seem to be respectful, and used lots of bribery tecniques that I was just not ok with. I've been following the author on IG, and LOVE her respectful methods, so I was SO excited to see her come out with this book. And it did NOT disappoint. It is so respectful of both the child & the parents, and approaches potty training in such a respectful & matter of fact way. The book is easy to read (no unnecessary fluff - cause who has time for that when you are a mom!), with tons of great tips, and some amazing reframes that were SO beneficial. Feeling a lot more confident starting our potty journey and started some things already to really prep (which I loved that this step was emphasized, as I would have skipped right over it!!) both myself & child. If you're looking for a great book for potty training - GET THIS ONE :) Read more

I was able to get through this book fairly quickly. There were lots of great tips, but some easier said than done. We're still working on training over here. Read more

Oh crap versus first time parents guide to potty training. I read both so you don’t have to! TL;DR: First Time Parents Guide is the clear winner! Both use the same basic so-called boot camp method: spend a soul-sucking weekend (ideally 3 day weekend), with your toddler completely bottomless, watch them like a hawk, prompt them to sit on the toilet with some sort of frequency (20-30 min) or if they’re showing any cues of peeing and pooping. The instructions for you as the caregiver progress from there. Where Dr Jazmine’s book stands out is that the method utilizes the positive parenting approach which as a behavioral therapist myself I know is evidence based for getting outcomes in behavior change. Oh Crap subtly shades positive parenting and also encourages the use of negative consequences for accidents once you feel your child has the hang of toilet training (please don’t do this. For starters it’s highly subjective when you think your kid knows their own cues to use the toilet and also research clearly shows positive reinforcement is the most successful way to get behavior change or to learn a new skill.) Oh Crap suggests doing overnight training (and includes some scary comments about bladder atrophy that I’m sure are not accurate) at the same time as daytime training (as in set alarms at 2am & 5am and pick up your dead weight mostly asleep toddler’s body onto the toilet - it’s a no for me!) whereas Dr Jazmine cites actual evidence that doing both simultaneously is not necessary nor even developmentally appropriate. Dr Jazmine’s book is also much shorter and has a page of chapter highlights at the end of each chapter with key take aways/points. My one point of contention is that Dr Jazmine recommends using food as a reward which as an eating disorders therapist I disagree with and also she recommends foods that are choking hazards for kids under 4 such as popcorn and chips. Some of you reading this do not care about food as rewards and feel ok with chips as a snack in which case I say to you: Dr Jazmine’s book, start to finish, is perfect for you! For everyone else: Dr Jazmine’s book is perfect for you! 10/10 would recommend! Read more

Spent the weekend potty training my son who is 2.5 years old. We used this book (and a sticker chart with rewards, per the book's recommendations) and he was so successful in only 3 days! He was able to go to daycare on Monday in big boy underwear, with only two accidents on Monday and no accidents the rest of the week at school. I couldn't believe it. I highly recommend this book as she makes the method clear and easy to follow. Additionally, she highlights developmental milestones that must be reached first in order for the method to actually work, so you're starting at the right time and setting yourself up for success. Read more