How to Potty Train with the "Oh Crap" Book Guide
Learning how to potty train with the “Oh Crap” potty training book guide is simple and here is how to do it!
Potty training is one of the biggest nightmares of toddlerhood, amiright? I was dreading it for a while before Connor’s 2nd birthday. But guess what? He totally crushed it (and so did Trace and I)! Looking back, it’s silly that we were so worried about it in the first place and we successfully got our guy trained in just 3 days. Yes, for real. 3 days! I didn’t think it was possible either but I am here to tell you it is. Want to know how? Here is what we did and didn’t do in order to ditch the diapers stress free.
Before we did anything, we read this book “Oh Crap!” I highly recommend you do the same before ever starting the process. It’ll set you up for it all. Can’t stress this enough.
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What is the “Oh Crap” Potty Training Book
The "Oh Crap! Potty Training" book is a popular parenting guide written by Jamie Glowacki.
Jamie Glowacki is a well-known author and parenting expert, particularly recognized for her work in the field of potty training. Her book outlines the "Oh Crap" method, which offers a straightforward and practical approach to potty training for parents. Jamie Glowacki's expertise and guidance have helped many parents navigate the sometimes challenging process of potty training with confidence and success.
The book covers a range of topics, from preparing for potty training to handling accidents and common challenges. It's a go-to resource for parents navigating the sometimes daunting journey of toilet training their toddlers. So, if you're in the "Oh Crap" parenting phase, this book can be a helpful companion on your potty training adventure!
How is the “Oh Crap” Potty Training Book Helpful?
The "Oh Crap! Potty Training" book by Jamie Glowacki is a helpful resource for parents because it offers a practical and no-nonsense approach to potty training. Here's how it can be beneficial:
Clear Guidance: The book provides step-by-step instructions and a well-structured plan to make potty training less intimidating for parents.
Real-Life Tips: Jamie Glowacki shares real-world experiences and insights, helping parents navigate common challenges and pitfalls.
Confidence Building: It boosts your confidence as a parent by offering a clear roadmap for potty training success.
Individualized Approach: The book recognizes that every child is unique and provides flexible strategies to accommodate different personalities and needs.
Problem-Solving: It addresses various issues that may arise during potty training and provides practical solutions.
Empowering Parents: The book empowers parents to take charge of the potty training process, making it a more positive and less stressful experience for both parent and child.
So, if you're facing the adventure of potty training with your little one, the "Oh Crap" book can be a friendly and valuable guide to help you through this important milestone.
How to Prepare for Potty Training the Oh Crap Way
Reading the book is your first step. It’ll help you create your action plan. After that comes a few steps:
Choose a Potty: Pick a child-sized potty or a potty seat that fits on your regular toilet. Let your toddler explore and get familiar with it. This insert is great. It’s simple, easy to clean, and works with any toilet. Enough said. We also put a potty in the living room, just so that we weren’t always making a dash to the bathroom. Highly recommend this one, it’s sturdy. The travel potty for when you’re ready to leave the house, we like this one.
Timing Matters: Plan a period when you and your child have some downtime, like a long weekend or a break from routines, to focus on potty training.
Gather Supplies: Stock up on essentials like training pants, wipes, and extra clothes for both you and your toddler. More on this later.
Talk About It: Explain the concept of using the potty to your child in a simple, positive way. Make it sound like an exciting adventure.
Set Up a Potty Training Station: Create a designated area for potty training with easy access to the potty, books, and a few toys for distraction.
Stay Patient: Be prepared for accidents and stay patient and encouraging. The "Oh Crap" method involves a learning curve.
Clear Your Schedule: During the initial stages, minimize outside activities and distractions to focus on potty training.
Another thing I want to touch on is the timing in their life. Timing is everything, you guys. Connor watched a few of his close friends nail potty training, he’s seen many different types of potties his friends use, and naturally one day he says “bye bye diaper!” That was my green light and I didn’t want to ignore his signs of readiness even at 2yrs 3 months. Also, choose a time when you and your child can focus on potty training without interruptions. Steer clear of stressful periods like moving houses or other major life changes that can really derail this process.
Remember, every child is unique, and potty training can be a gradual process. The "Oh Crap" method encourages parents to trust their instincts and be adaptable. With preparation and a positive attitude, you're well on your way to a successful potty training journey with your toddler!
What You Need to Potty Train a Toddler
Ready to begin potty training with the “Oh Crap” method? Here are some essentials you will need to get started:
Potty Chair or Potty Seat: Choose a child-sized potty chair or a potty seat that fits on your regular toilet to make it accessible for your toddler.
Underwear: Get some fun and colorful underwear with your child's favorite characters or patterns to make the process exciting.
Wipes: Have a stock of flushable or sensitive skin wipes for easy clean-up.
Hand Sanitizer: Keep hand sanitizer readily available for both you and your child.
Extra Clothes: Pack spare clothes for both you and your toddler in case of accidents.
Potty Training Books or Toys: Have some books or toys in the designated potty training area to keep your child entertained during toilet time.
Reward System Supplies: Consider stickers, charts, or a small reward system to motivate your child when they successfully use the potty.
Cleaning Supplies: Ensure you have cleaning products on hand to promptly clean up any messes.
Positive Reinforcement Items: Small treats or rewards can be helpful to celebrate your child's potty training successes.
Now that you have your supplies, it is time to get started!
How to Potty Train with the “Oh Crap” Book
I tell my friends often, that potty training is just as mental as it is physical. We make this so much more complicated in our adult heads and it’s unfortunate because our lack of confidence or anxiety transfers over to them. It’s amazing what they (and you) can achieve in just a short amount of time with consistency, commitment, and calm reinforcement.
When we committed to this process, we chose a rainy three-day weekend to devote to getting potty training right the first time. Since the weather was cold and wet, why not stay inside for a few days and make potty training the sole activity, right? We intentionally didn’t allow screen time until rather recently, so when we did decide to potty train, Connor was neither overstimulated nor distracted. I personally feel like it helped him fully commit to the process as well.
This book helped relieve the pressure of performance for both Connor and ourselves. What I mean by that is, the more pressure you put on yourself or your kid, especially when doing something new…more often than not, it’ll backfire on you. We did our absolute best to not put any expectations on Connor prior to starting. We did not just assume that he would be an all-star off the bat nor did we think he would take weeks.
We just believed that he and we could do it, plain and simple. One week before we started, as I could see that we would be running out, I began talking to Connor about how we weren't going to use diapers anymore, in a very cool and calm way mind you. I never mentioned potty training, never uttered a word to him. There’s logic to this, and it’s because you don’t want to make it a big deal. A few days before we ran out, I said, that’s it. We aren’t buying anymore because I wanted to commit myself. If you keep buying diapers, you will only prolong the process.
So, the day of no diapers came and Connor woke up that morning and threw his last diaper into the trash. He said “Buh bye diaper” and walked away, naked butt and all. I told him, “It’s raining so we’re staying inside. And guess what? We’re doing a fun activity, putting your pee and poop in the potty. It’s going to be fun!” He was excited. Or as Connor says “cited.” We kept it really simple, planned little projects such as train building, floor puzzles, making play dough, making pizza, etc all while he was running around the house naked. This was to make sure that we as parents could figure out his signs of when to go. And we did see those signs, as subtle as they were at first.
Once we saw the first little sign of needing to pee, we immediately said “Ooh, ok Connor one second” and we picked him up and got him to the potty with a trail of pee behind us. We didn’t make it a big deal, we were just quick to get to the potty. This happened a few times. Once the pee got into the potty, (sitting) that’s when we made it a big deal. “Wow, good job man.” “Thank you, Connor.” High fives all around. He was proud. “Connor did it!” When there were accidents, we kept the same tone. “Next time, pee goes in the potty.” Something along those lines to convey that peeing on the floor isn’t good but in a calm manner.
After a few rounds of this, he began to get it. At this stage, we are to not ask them if he or she has to go, you prompt them when you recognize their signs by saying “Come, it’s time to pee.” By saying these prompts and short commands in a calm and neutral way, they begin to understand their body. Over-prompting can also backfire on you so be sure to not go the other direction.
For naps and nighttime sleep, we simply told him what we would be doing. “I’m going to put a pull-up on you for a nap because you’re still learning. When you wake up, we’ll take it off right away ok?” And they understand all of this. Walking them through the process is crucial. He went to bed that first night very proud of himself.
So far the process was really smooth if I’m being honest. By the second day, he actually pooped in the potty because he was peeing so frequently the first day. He was elated. The “Oh Crap” book has a full chapter on poop alone, so they will walk you through this, but I swear, supportive yet calm praise does amazing things to a kid’s confidence. I wish I was as confident as him growing up.
By the end of day 3, he had a solid comprehension of the new routine. Wake up, rip off the diaper, go pee in the potty. Poop if need be. We gradually added pants and short little outings with our travel potty to the park (all this will be in the book and help you troubleshoot while outside of the home.) Did we have accidents? Of course. But they learn quickly that they don’t like the feeling of soiled pants. By day 3, we learned that the building blocks of potty training are quite simple if we choose to make it so as well as our response as parents. We don’t need to overcomplicate things.
Our Experience Potty Training with the “Oh Crap” Potty Training Book Method
We followed the steps closely and had a very positive experience. Here is what the potty training system looked like for us:
Day 1: Let them trust their own body
Not going to lie, this was at first very hard for me. To give 100% trust and control in Connor’s intuition and little body was a weird concept. But you know what, they just know.
So the first day, we said “Bye bye diaper!” and let Connor run around naked. All day.
If you’re confused already, you’ll read more about this no-pants method in “Oh Crap” but it’s incredibly effective.
If we give them space to have them listen to their own body, they pick it up twice as fast. Plus, they are proud of themselves and it boosts their confidence. I know it did for Connor.
I was also nervous about all the cleaning we’d have to do. But honestly, it really isn’t bad. We have hardwood floors and play mats, both easy to clean and wipe up.
Accidents will happen, but try to stay chill and remind your little one that it's all part of the learning process. We said “pee goes in the potty, not the floor” “try again next time” and “if you have to pee, say “I need to pee.” Short, simple commands are most effective.
Day 2: Practice Makes Perfect
Keep building on what you did the previous day. Increase the time between potty visits gradually.
Help your kid recognize their body's signals and encourage them to communicate when they need to go. Again, using short commands.
Keep it positive and reward each success like there's no tomorrow. It really does boost their confidence and makes them proud that they’re doing a good job because they are!
Day 3: Stick with the Plan:
Consistency is key. Once those three intense days are over, don't drop the ball.
Set up a routine for potty visits, especially after meals and naps. I always have Connor go pee when he wakes up and before we go about our morning activities.
We use this travel potty that everyone I know uses and it’s the perfect size to leave in the car or stroller when outside of the house.
Get all caregivers on board, whether it's family or daycare providers, and make sure they're all following the same routine.
Patience, Persistence, and Positivity:
Potty training isn’t always so easy and there might be setbacks and challenges along the way. Stay patient, be persistent, and stay positive because it only reinforces that they can do this.
Each child is different, but just like learning a new skill, it takes a little time for everything to flow.
There you have it. I did rely so much on the “Oh Crap!” book, it really did set me up for success. Potty training in just three days is totally doable.
Get yourself mentally prepared, pick the right timing, and whatever you do, don’t throw in the towel. Once you start, there’s no going back!
Are you ready to begin potty training? Are you going to check out the book? Let me know!
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