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Good to Go: A Fresh Take on Potty Training for Today's Intentional Parent
A practical and utterly-relatable guide that empowers parents to navigate potty training with confidence and ease.
Potty-training methods all seem to follow one of two either waiting forever to see “signs of readiness” or resigning yourself to an intense and messy three-day naked weekend. But these approaches fail to align with today's more respectful, intentional, and collaborative parenting styles.
Good to Go is here to fix that, teaching 90% of the potty-training skills children need before ditching the diapers. Developed by parenting expert Gia Gambaro Blount, this realistic, definitive approach to potty training draws from twenty years of wisdom. Alongside Blount's practiced insight, mom and podcaster Laura Birek documents her own personal (and often hilarious) stories about potty-training her toddler in real time. Together, Blount and Birek guide parents step-by-step through their time-tested method that features actionable tips, real-life examples, and practical strategies for everything from recognizing body cues to picking the right supplies.
By combining the science of child development with modern parenting approaches, Good to Go honors the natural learning process, reduces parental stress, and sets children up for potty-training success.
Potty-training methods all seem to follow one of two either waiting forever to see “signs of readiness” or resigning yourself to an intense and messy three-day naked weekend. But these approaches fail to align with today's more respectful, intentional, and collaborative parenting styles.
Good to Go is here to fix that, teaching 90% of the potty-training skills children need before ditching the diapers. Developed by parenting expert Gia Gambaro Blount, this realistic, definitive approach to potty training draws from twenty years of wisdom. Alongside Blount's practiced insight, mom and podcaster Laura Birek documents her own personal (and often hilarious) stories about potty-training her toddler in real time. Together, Blount and Birek guide parents step-by-step through their time-tested method that features actionable tips, real-life examples, and practical strategies for everything from recognizing body cues to picking the right supplies.
By combining the science of child development with modern parenting approaches, Good to Go honors the natural learning process, reduces parental stress, and sets children up for potty-training success.
- GenresParenting
224 pages, Hardcover
Published October 2, 2025
6 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 25, 2025
I've never had children, so I'm ill-suited to judge if Laura Birek gives good advice in "Good to Go."
The book is filled with stories that are easy to skip. Slow down at the end of each chapter, where she always provides a summary.
Here's a sample of what she says, so you can judge for yourself:
● Values-Centered Parenting (VCP) is a foundational tool that can be used for any parenting issue. Parenting is a constant cycle of teaching, modeling, and reinforcing around your core values and beliefs.
● Upskilling is about setting the bar higher than your child’s current abilities, to allow them to stretch and grow. “Used to” and “all of a sudden” are key phrases that indicate it’s time to Upskill.
● Descriptive Praise is the best way to increase desired behavior. Simply notice and mention the behaviors you want to see flourish.
● Natural Consequences require no intervention, while Logical Consequences are imposed by the parent, but make sense in the moment—both types of consequences are useful for learning. Avoid Illogical Consequences if you can.
● Negotiation is not a bad word. Teaching your child how to listen and compromise is a lifelong tool.
● Emotional hygiene is as important as physical hygiene. Creating a one- to five-minute daily practice can go a long way!
This surprised me: "It’s actually completely normal for children to continue peeing at night up to age eight."
"Typically, children should stop pooping at night around eighteen months of age. However, when in the early phases of potty training, it’s common for kids to begin pooping in their sleep diapers again."
She quoted someone else, who said, “When a second baby is born, first children go from getting 100 percent of their parents’ attention to 75 percent, and spend the rest of their lives trying to make up the difference. Meanwhile, the younger sibling is born getting only 25 percent of the attention, and spends the rest of their lives thinking this is sufficient.”
Most potty challenges can be boiled down to one of these root causes:
● Fear
● Performance anxiety
● Intense focus on play
● Distraction
● Resistance/defiance
● Indifference
● Physical lack of sensation awareness
OVERALL: If you need poop training advice, get this book.
The book is filled with stories that are easy to skip. Slow down at the end of each chapter, where she always provides a summary.
Here's a sample of what she says, so you can judge for yourself:
● Values-Centered Parenting (VCP) is a foundational tool that can be used for any parenting issue. Parenting is a constant cycle of teaching, modeling, and reinforcing around your core values and beliefs.
● Upskilling is about setting the bar higher than your child’s current abilities, to allow them to stretch and grow. “Used to” and “all of a sudden” are key phrases that indicate it’s time to Upskill.
● Descriptive Praise is the best way to increase desired behavior. Simply notice and mention the behaviors you want to see flourish.
● Natural Consequences require no intervention, while Logical Consequences are imposed by the parent, but make sense in the moment—both types of consequences are useful for learning. Avoid Illogical Consequences if you can.
● Negotiation is not a bad word. Teaching your child how to listen and compromise is a lifelong tool.
● Emotional hygiene is as important as physical hygiene. Creating a one- to five-minute daily practice can go a long way!
This surprised me: "It’s actually completely normal for children to continue peeing at night up to age eight."
"Typically, children should stop pooping at night around eighteen months of age. However, when in the early phases of potty training, it’s common for kids to begin pooping in their sleep diapers again."
She quoted someone else, who said, “When a second baby is born, first children go from getting 100 percent of their parents’ attention to 75 percent, and spend the rest of their lives trying to make up the difference. Meanwhile, the younger sibling is born getting only 25 percent of the attention, and spends the rest of their lives thinking this is sufficient.”
Most potty challenges can be boiled down to one of these root causes:
● Fear
● Performance anxiety
● Intense focus on play
● Distraction
● Resistance/defiance
● Indifference
● Physical lack of sensation awareness
OVERALL: If you need poop training advice, get this book.
July 9, 2025
ARC Review – 4⭐️
As a parent in the thick of potty training with my 2.5-year-old daughter, this book came at exactly the right time. I’ve been down this road once before—my son was trained before 3—but this time around, I’ve got a very different kid, and we’ve been stuck in the “ditch the diapers” phase for months. My daughter uses the potty perfectly when she’s naked from the waist down but has near-constant accidents in underwear, which daycare (understandably) requires. I was really hoping this book would help us bridge that particular gap.
The standout strength of Good to Go is its emphasis on bodily autonomy and collaboration. It reframes potty training from something a parent has to push—or a child has to figure out alone—into a shared process. That approach felt refreshing and validating, especially during the tougher days when it’s easy to feel like you’re failing. The gentle encouragement and reassurance peppered throughout the book genuinely helped me feel more grounded and less alone.
That said, the graphics didn’t add much for me. A few felt unnecessary or even a little confusing—more filler than functional.
My biggest critique is that the book didn’t address one of the most common stumbling blocks I’m currently facing: the underwear-toilet disconnect. For families like mine who can’t let a child go commando due to daycare or preschool rules, we need more practical advice for how to support a child through that specific transition.
Bottom line: This is a thoughtful, respectful guide that centers the child and offers much-needed validation to parents navigating a stressful milestone. It doesn’t have all the answers, but it’s a solid companion for parents wanting to slow down and train with intention. If you’re looking for permission to step back from power struggles and trust your child’s timing, this book delivers.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As a parent in the thick of potty training with my 2.5-year-old daughter, this book came at exactly the right time. I’ve been down this road once before—my son was trained before 3—but this time around, I’ve got a very different kid, and we’ve been stuck in the “ditch the diapers” phase for months. My daughter uses the potty perfectly when she’s naked from the waist down but has near-constant accidents in underwear, which daycare (understandably) requires. I was really hoping this book would help us bridge that particular gap.
The standout strength of Good to Go is its emphasis on bodily autonomy and collaboration. It reframes potty training from something a parent has to push—or a child has to figure out alone—into a shared process. That approach felt refreshing and validating, especially during the tougher days when it’s easy to feel like you’re failing. The gentle encouragement and reassurance peppered throughout the book genuinely helped me feel more grounded and less alone.
That said, the graphics didn’t add much for me. A few felt unnecessary or even a little confusing—more filler than functional.
My biggest critique is that the book didn’t address one of the most common stumbling blocks I’m currently facing: the underwear-toilet disconnect. For families like mine who can’t let a child go commando due to daycare or preschool rules, we need more practical advice for how to support a child through that specific transition.
Bottom line: This is a thoughtful, respectful guide that centers the child and offers much-needed validation to parents navigating a stressful milestone. It doesn’t have all the answers, but it’s a solid companion for parents wanting to slow down and train with intention. If you’re looking for permission to step back from power struggles and trust your child’s timing, this book delivers.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2025
A Must-Have for Every Potty-Training Parent
Good to Go by Gia Gambaro Blount and Laura Birek couldn’t have landed in my hands at a better time. As my little one started showing interest in using the restroom, I found myself overwhelmed by the lack of solid, practical resources—until this book. I only wish I could sit down with Gia and Laura in person, but this book truly feels like the next best thing.
What sets Good to Go apart is the introduction of Value Centered Parenting (VCP), a framework that goes far beyond potty training. As both a parent and an educator, this approach resonated deeply. It helped me pause and reflect: What do I value in this moment? How can I model that value for my child and reinforce it consistently? VCP has already shifted the way I parent across the board.
As a second-grade teacher, I’m constantly asking, “What is the why?” Gia and Laura not only understand this question—they answer it. They tackle developmental expectations with such clarity that I found myself nodding along, grateful for the insight.
The format is thoughtful and practical. The chapter summaries are pure gold, perfect for quick reflection or sharing with others who are supporting your child through potty training. The combination of Gia’s expertise and Laura’s relatable, often humorous, real-life anecdotes makes this book both informative and enjoyable to read.
Yes, there are a few strategies my 27-month-old isn’t quite ready for, but that’s the beauty of this book. It offers tools for now and for later and honors the individuality of each child’s journey.
This is the textbook of potty training, and it does it all with a gentle, values-based lens. I can’t recommend it enough.
Good to Go by Gia Gambaro Blount and Laura Birek couldn’t have landed in my hands at a better time. As my little one started showing interest in using the restroom, I found myself overwhelmed by the lack of solid, practical resources—until this book. I only wish I could sit down with Gia and Laura in person, but this book truly feels like the next best thing.
What sets Good to Go apart is the introduction of Value Centered Parenting (VCP), a framework that goes far beyond potty training. As both a parent and an educator, this approach resonated deeply. It helped me pause and reflect: What do I value in this moment? How can I model that value for my child and reinforce it consistently? VCP has already shifted the way I parent across the board.
As a second-grade teacher, I’m constantly asking, “What is the why?” Gia and Laura not only understand this question—they answer it. They tackle developmental expectations with such clarity that I found myself nodding along, grateful for the insight.
The format is thoughtful and practical. The chapter summaries are pure gold, perfect for quick reflection or sharing with others who are supporting your child through potty training. The combination of Gia’s expertise and Laura’s relatable, often humorous, real-life anecdotes makes this book both informative and enjoyable to read.
Yes, there are a few strategies my 27-month-old isn’t quite ready for, but that’s the beauty of this book. It offers tools for now and for later and honors the individuality of each child’s journey.
This is the textbook of potty training, and it does it all with a gentle, values-based lens. I can’t recommend it enough.
August 8, 2025
Gia Gambaro Blount and Laura Birek have created a true gem for parents navigating the often-stressful world of potty training. Good to Go is an incredibly helpful, smart, and effective guide that feels less like a strict manual and more like a conversation with two wise and empathetic friends.
What makes this book stand out is its easy-to-read, approachable style. Blount and Birek expertly weave personal stories and anecdotes throughout the text, making the experience relatable and reassuring. It's a testament to their thoughtful writing and experience that every question you might have about potty training seems to be answered exactly when you think of it.
The authors understand that potty training is not a one-size-fits-all situation. I read Good to Go before potty training my third child and found it incredibly helpful and adaptable. I loved their methods, especially the ideal of the rehearsal period and the different phases of involvement to expect. They provide a clear, supportive framework that empowers parents, fully walking you through a successful, no-shame potty training experience.
This book is an absolute must-read for any parent preparing to potty train!
What makes this book stand out is its easy-to-read, approachable style. Blount and Birek expertly weave personal stories and anecdotes throughout the text, making the experience relatable and reassuring. It's a testament to their thoughtful writing and experience that every question you might have about potty training seems to be answered exactly when you think of it.
The authors understand that potty training is not a one-size-fits-all situation. I read Good to Go before potty training my third child and found it incredibly helpful and adaptable. I loved their methods, especially the ideal of the rehearsal period and the different phases of involvement to expect. They provide a clear, supportive framework that empowers parents, fully walking you through a successful, no-shame potty training experience.
This book is an absolute must-read for any parent preparing to potty train!
October 7, 2025
Wow I’m so lucky that this book is publishing at the same time I’m going through this new and uncomfortable territory of parenting. We have been slowly preparing to take the leap into potty training with our almost two year old and it is scary. I would recommend this book to any parent that is going through this or will be going through it. It was very informative and while I’ll never be 100% ready to upset our daily schedule, I know that this is on me to make this a smooth transition for our daughter. The book also helps me to know that even if there is “regression” it does not mean failure. I’m so happy to have read this before we take the plunge!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 13, 2025
ARC review:
I've read several potty training methods and have felt overwhelmed. Even as a mom who has already potty trained a child! This book lays all the steps out nice and easy to follow and never feels like it's telling me I'm doing something wrong because I can't (or choose not to) perfectly conform to this method. I am all a Big Fat Positive Podcast listener and loved Laura's insights sprinkled throughout the books. Really felt like we were all in this journey together as I too potty train my Sebastian.
I've read several potty training methods and have felt overwhelmed. Even as a mom who has already potty trained a child! This book lays all the steps out nice and easy to follow and never feels like it's telling me I'm doing something wrong because I can't (or choose not to) perfectly conform to this method. I am all a Big Fat Positive Podcast listener and loved Laura's insights sprinkled throughout the books. Really felt like we were all in this journey together as I too potty train my Sebastian.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews