Potty Training Sucks: What to Do When Diapers Make You Miserable

by Joanne Kimes

Are you suffering through your kid's potty training because...

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

I used to write for TV but when I became pregnant, I couldn't believe there wasn't a book out there that delved into the true perils of procreation. So I wrote "Pregnancy Sucks", sent it out to a handful of publishers and, at the lowest point in any woman's year, when trying on bathing suits at the mall, I got a call that it was going to be published! It became a best-seller and led to a dozen other books in the "Sucks" series, and an appearance on the Today show. I just released my first fiction book, "Finding Paris: A Novel" which is like going to the city of light from your coziest chair. I hope you enjoy it! Merci beaucoup.

Reviews

[Meenakshisankar M · Rating 3 out of 5]

My wife and I read this to prepare ourselves for potty training our daughter. With some wry humor, it covers high level information on the various dos and donts, along with the approaches for potty training. We didn’t get a lot of details, but overall a good beginner level book for the subject.

[Meredith Riddle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly a humorous look at potty training. Sure, a few bits of serious advice, but very little to address serious complications...I mostly read it for the laughs.

[Barb · Rating 2 out of 5]

When you buy a book titled, "Potty Training Sucks...," the boldness of that title tends to give you the impression that the author feels your pain...that she's a sympathizer and gets where you are coming from - the frustration, the daily power struggles, the endless piles of soiled pants and sheets...and all those desperation bribes that have done nothing more than turn your tike into a skilled embezzler. You might even assume that the book was written with the intent of being your salvation - offering solid advice and surefire techniques quickly, to expeditiously get you on the path to a Pull-Up-free existence.
But, so far, all I'm getting is long-winded banter, lame anecdotes and inane toilet humor...and, as we all know, the last thing a person needs while stuck in potty purgatory is more crap garbage!

I just want to know if there's a Cliff Notes out there for this paperback. Something that trims the fat, gets straight to the bacon and sums it up. I just don't know what I'll do if I stumble upon one more kitschy tale in this book.

FEB. 4 UPDATE:
...as far as I'm concerned, potty training isn't the only thing that "sucks." My advice? Rip every last page out of this book, line your floors with them, strip your kid of EVERYTHING from the waist down..then sit back and pray he/she either hits the toilet or the paper. So far, 8-out-of-10 times, it's working for us - GOOD LUCK!

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very easy and fluffy. Read in one evening. I think this was a good choice for the first book in my "information gathering" for the upcoming baby stage. Like other reviews have said, not a lot of specifics in this book. It did confirm though, that I think we are at least several months away from really starting.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was very entertaining, probably more entertaining then instructional. It takes all the pressure off that many people associate with potty training...very laid back & fun read! It took away a lot anxiety for this next milestone.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is very funny.. that's about it.. I didn't glean any particular wisdom but the author is totally hilarious. I skimmed the book and she gave me some great laughs. She seems like someone I'd hang around!

[Kristi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I gleaned no useful information from this book whatsoever, other than how to cook a beautiful lobster dinner. And I live in Louisiana, so obtaining a lobster in the first place is next to impossible. Luckily I'd only purchased this book for a quarter; otherwise, I'd be pretty "pissed". ;(

[Lauren P · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definately has some helpful advice in it, but is mostly a humerous and lighthearted book that really does feel my "potty training pain"

[Cristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very funny, but not one certain potty training strategy. More of a review of a variety of potty training ideas and theories.

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

And so did this book, it was funny but not one nugget of useful information, ugh.