The First-Time Parent's Guide to Potty Training: How to Ditch Diapers Fast

by Jazmine McCoy

Potty train your child confidently, quickly, and successfully--even as a first-time parent!Are you nervous about potty training? Worried that you don't know enough to see it through to the end? Concerned that you don't have enough time to devote to it? This positive, practical, easy-to-follow guide is here to help.By approaching potty training with a proven program, first-time tips and tricks, the right tools, and a confident mindset, you can cross dirty diapers off your endless to-do list and celebrate your child's transition to the toilet. Here's everything you need to know to get your child out of diapers once and for all!The First-Time Parent's Guide to Potty Training   •  An easy, step-by-step, 3-day program for ditching diapers, including nap and nighttime training, day care strategies, and on-the-go potty training  •  Troubleshooting advice for accidents, backsliding, temper tantrums, and more  •  Guidance for your child if they're anxious, willful, or simply reluctantYou can potty train your child, and this book will guide you and cheer you on every step of the way.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Adult

171 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 14, 2020

About the author

Dr. Jazmine McCoy is a clinical psychologist and proud mom of two young girls. She works with children and families in her private practice and is committed to helping overwhelmed parents understand and connect with their young children. Through her books, masterclasses, and courses, she aims to provide parents with simple, practical parenting support that's easy to implement. Her books include "The Ultimate Tantrum Guide". "Let's Talk Discipline," and "The First-Time Parent’s Guide to Potty Training," which will be released Summer 2020. She lives in the Sacramento, California area with her husband, two children, and dog, Valentino. For more information on Dr. Jazmine's work, please visit www.themompsychologist.com!

Reviews

[Rachel]

Technically this is a book and I read the whole thing!

[Emma Refvem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pray for me 🙏

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great guide! The first half is for everyone - a simple, gentle and straightforward approach to potty training. The second half troubleshoots literally EVERY scenario I could think of, truly impressive. Anxious kids, kids with special needs, kids with vision issues, training multiples, how to train with daycare providers - comprehensive, impressive and so helpful! I will definitely be keeping this one on my shelf to reference back if we hit any snags, and if we ever have to do this again with subsequent kiddos. FWIW, I read another, very well-known and popular book and found it kind of icky and shaming. This was the exact opposite! Empowering and supportive of your kiddos, just how we like to parent. Will be recommending to all my parent friends! Thanks to the publisher for a review copy.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5. Physical book. My daughter is beginning to show signs that she is ready to begin potty training. This book was highly recommended and I can see why. The author keeps the information simple and to the point. The book also has tips for handling long trips, vacations, and daycare. I will surely reference it in the future. I liked that the author included the main points of each chapter and tells readers exactly what tools they will need to use to succeed.

[Savanna Largent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Free on audible.
3 hour listen on audible, 100% worth your time. Followed it with Addie and on day 1 she had one accident on the floor of the bathroom and that’s it - the rest of the time she went potty in the toilet!

[Sarah]

Lol at me

[Catherine Barnett · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got half way through this and realized it didn't line up with my research-based philosophy as a parent and teacher. Switched to Oh Crap and it worked a treat.

[Ona · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,25

[Džiulija Tekorė · Rating 4 out of 5]

Viskas aiškiai ir lengvai aprašyta. Labai patiko🌸

[Leslie Maughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this as much as I think one can like a potty training book. I enjoyed that the step-by-step method was laid out very specifically. I haven't tried it yet, but the detail was helpful to the formulation of my master (potty training) plan. I'm not sure about the ceremony to bid diapers farewell, might skip that part, but found lots of other great information in this book.

[Christina Citti · Rating 5 out of 5]

The First-Time Parent’s Guide to Potty Training by Jazmine McCoy is a practical resource for parents beginning the potty training journey. The book offers step-by-step guidance, aiming to make the process as stress-free as possible. Here’s a brief summary of its key points:
1. Readiness Signs: McCoy emphasizes recognizing when your child is developmentally ready to start potty training. Signs include showing interest in the toilet, staying dry for longer periods, and understanding simple instructions.
2. Preparation: The guide encourages creating a positive environment with potty training essentials like a child-sized potty, underwear, and rewards. Establishing routines and using encouraging language are also highlighted.
3. Training Methods: McCoy outlines different approaches, including the three-day potty training method and a more gradual transition. She recommends tailoring your approach to suit your child’s personality and your family’s schedule.
4. Dealing with Setbacks: The book addresses common challenges such as accidents, resistance, and nighttime training. McCoy provides practical tips for staying patient and consistent.
5. Encouragement and Rewards: Positive reinforcement, praise, and small rewards are suggested to keep your child motivated.

[Laura Hamadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t started the program just yet, still in the getting ready and communication phases, but I loved the approach of this book. The method aligns with my parenting values of gentle, but firm, and positive reinforcement. In a nutshell, the author recommends kickstarting the training off with 3 days worth of commando and expecting accidents. There’s a chapter about evaluating if your child is physically, emotionally, and psychologically ready to potty train. When an accident occurs, she gives phrases for the parent to use such as, “You had an accident. Pee goes in the potty. Let’s clean this up. We’ll try again next time to use the potty.” She goes a little more in-depth, to explain that after 3 days your child will in no way be accident free and have potty training down-pat. She also states nap-time and bedtime potty training will come later, maybe even a year later, and gives tips on how to conquer this hurdle as well. There’s a chapter specifically aimed at stubborn children and children with special needs. Overall I would highly recommend this book to any first time parent trying to potty train.

[Faith · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few months ago I asked for potty training book recommendations and this book along with “Oh Crap! Potty Training” by Jamie Glowacki were the two most highly recommended.

I decided to go with “The First-Time Parent's Guide to Potty Training” by Jazmine McCoy because some of the feedback I received said her book was written with a less sarcastic/gentler tone. If I’m honest was feeling pretty nervous and vulnerable about the whole thing so I figured the gentler the better. Haha.

I was also feeling very skeptical about the the book’s strategy which includes having your toddler spend the day diaperless and watching them like a hawk in hopes of reading their potty cues and helping get on there in time to do their business. This book included a lot of information on the signs to look for to determine your child is ready to potty train, how to introduce the potty, how to navigate accidents, what supplies you need to have on hand, as well as how to handle potty training different personality types, all which I found very helpful.

After reading this book I felt better prepared to potty train, unfortunately while I’m sure this strategy works for some people we have not had success.

[Christine Buckrucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why isn’t all parenting this easy? Follow 3 easy steps, keep your cool & keep at it. Oh wait, that is parenting lol just kidding!

Super helpful on reminding yourself to look at things from your child’s point of view. As parents we run out of time & expect our kids to be on our schedule. This reminds us it’s more than a an emotional or psychological expectation it’s also a physical. If your child’s bladder just isn’t physically capable yet this can be a really long process. Going back to read the chapters on encouragement and congratulations chapters can keep you going.

Doesn’t matter how old your kids are when they start potty training this is a really good quick reference guide on the best way to start and apply it to your life, your kid, your plan.

[Maddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This feels funny to review a potty training book because am I going to LOVE it? Probably not. Haha but I love Dr. Jazmine on Instagram and I was excited to finally support her work financially by getting this book (for my second daughter, actually). This book has very clear instructions, straightforward methods and awesome troubleshooting tips. I even caught some of the mistakes I made with my first daughter, so hopefully we can avoid those! That being said, there was zero of Dr. Jasmine’s personality in this book, which I was disappointed about. But I love the gentle-no-nonsense approach! I also found the developmental checklist very helpful. Crossing all the fingers this goes well.

[Eglė Mila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Turbūt tikėjausi daugiau, pasižiūrėjusi į goodreads įvertinimą. Vidutiniška, tekstui trūko rišlumo, dalykai kartojasi, bet ne visur teigdami tą patį! Vienoj vietoj rašo, kad akcentuoti tik “į kur daryti sysiuką, ir neužsiminti kur NEdaryti, kai padaro ant žemės”, kitoj vietoj- “priminkite vaikui, kad sysiuko vieta ne ant žemės, o puoduke”. Dar vienas didelis minusas- visur akcentuojama kaip atsisveikinti su vienkartinėmis sauskelnėmis ir prie jų nebegrįžti, taigi pogului ir nakčiai naudoti daugkartines. Mes visada naudojome daugkartines:) Turbūt tiesiog nepatenku į ratą žmonių, kuriems skiriama šita knyga.

[Abby]

The way this book was my bible during the early potty training days!!!! Seriously I clung to this book like my son clung to his diapers (we're doing.....better now but some days are oof ROUGH)

The second half has great sections for various scenarios, especially for traveling and daycare (god bless daycare workers) but the first half really helps to break it down. It also doesn't feel like it's judging or condescending like some other books do.

As a first time parent who feels like a lot of these milestones can feel daunting, this was such a good giudebook to lead us through and navigate what could have been a harrowing experience but also thank god I never have to do that again:)

[Che Ryl]

We're still at the very beginning of our potty-training journey but I read the book anyway... I like the simple, easy-to-understand writing style, because being a working mom to a rambunctious toddler has turned my brain into mashed potatoes. I also like the short chapters and how they are broken down into sections, cause I usually only have about 10 minutes a night to read before bed. The author makes it all make sense. I think this book will come in handy for me and my family in the near future.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great guide and gave me the confidence to begin preparing for potty training. It’s not just about the kid, it’s about the parent too! It was an easy read! I will be able to go back and reference sections once we officially start the process as it’s layout is very conducive for that!

Also it’s a book and I read the whole thing! Definitely want to remember it at the end of the year book recap 🤣

[Lars Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Instrumental in helping prepare for potty training. We start potty training tomorrow and reading this book and taking copius notes (so I could return the book to the friend who loaned it to us) has me feeling like we're very prepared. A very comprehensive overview of the process from start to finish, my only criticism is: a bit verbose, but to me that's better than us feeling underprepared.

4 stars. I have extra coffee set on the delay timer, on to the actual potty training tomorrow!

[Sasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have found this book a really helpful guide; it seems to follow a very similar approach to Oh Crap method, but without such a strong/opinionated tone from the author. I like her balanced presentation of the pros/cons of training at different ages rather than a rigid view on this. I will definitely refer to this book again and found her suggestions for diffusing resistance from child or setbacks especially helpful to put in my toolkit.

[CrafterFox · Rating 4 out of 5]

As far as potty training goes this books sums it all up really well! I only gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because I did not appreciate the suggestions for giving children sweets, chips and other super unhealthy "snacks" (otherwise known as cr*p) to reward them when they succeed in going potty. I know it isn't a book about nutrition but this just should not be allowed to appear in any type of book for parents about children.

[Jillian Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gold stars for parenting manuals that are this encouraging, helpful, and realistic!

I've read it through but I know I'll be going back to reference it again and again.
It's funny, whimsical, realistic, and approachable!~ I've got our 3 plan mapped out... now to see how the rest goes :D

Seriously, get this for yourselves or a gift for others!

[Emerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

By far the most helpful potty training book I’ve read! I think my favorite part about this book was the different examples the author gave of phrases that I could use when praising my son or when having to deal with accidents. Language is tricky no matter what age you’re working with, so having some example phrases throughout the book to kinda bookmark for the future was super helpful!

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an invaluable tool/resource in our potty training journey. It definitely helped us succeed with potty training our child.

It was a little repetitive at times, but I can tell that that was done purposefully with the intention of the reader being able to read/revisit particular sections or chapters as needed and get all of the necessary information at those times.

[Vic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really thought this book was useful, upbeat, easy to read, encouraging, and full of great tips for potty training! I feel like it combined some different approaches I have read about! The advice and suggestions in the book did not seem to take an extreme side either way! It also helps ease the major task of potty training! I would definitely recomend!!

[Crys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straightforward and easy to understand. Good for busy parents who are getting ready to potty train their toddler. Lots of strategies to do BEFORE starting that are vital to get you and your child ready.

[Ramu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pagrindiniai žingsniai, kaip pasiruošti, kada jau tas laikas, kokie požymiai išduoda pasiruošimą, ką daryti įvykus "avarijoms", kaip elgtis kelionėse ir daug kitų situacijų apžvelgta šioje knygoje.
Man patiko, bet kažko trūko, kad įvertinčiau penkiom * :)

[Kelly Walton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haven’t started the program yet but this book was a very quick, easy read with straightforward information and a positive approach. The first half is all about the program and the second half touches on many different scenarios and tips for success. The author breaks down each chapter very easily.

[Nicole Corwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an easy-squeezy one-sitting read, perhaps even using over simplistic language. This is to the point with very clear guidelines. I think I’ll appreciate how easily checklists and guides can be referenced once I’m in the throes of potty training.