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Potty Train the Fun Way With the Potty Tots!

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This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for joining the potty party!  The winners are Brooke and Jessica Price.  Congratulations!

When I decided to start potty training my son, I knew that it was going to be difficult. I knew it was going to take time and patience and consistency. What I didn’t know is that it could be fun! Any “potty talk” I engaged in with other parents actually scared me. I thought…how am I going to do this? How are WE going to do this? While I was doing some research on potty training, I came across a relatively new potty training program called Potty Tots. Do you know what caught my attention…her tagline which is “We’ll show you how to go potty now!”

Potty Tots, which launched in August of 2008, was founded by Jill Leech out of necessity. In the midst of experiencing tremendous difficulty potty training her youngest daughter, she sought out a program that would show her daughter how to go potty, engage her in the process, and encourage her to be independent. At the time, a structured program built on the principles of positive reinforcement and independence did not exist. So she created an illustrated potty chart which included the steps of potty training and a picture of a little girl that looked like her daughter. I had the tremendous privilege of interviewing Jill and I’d like to thank her for the time she spent with me.

Interview:

1. There is a lot of discussion about time frame and readiness. Can you share a little bit about when a child is ready to start the process of potty training?

According to the AAP, it takes about six weeks, on average to potty train a child. It is not uncommon for the process to take as long as three months of daily encouragement from parents.

A child has to be ready physically (capable of holding and controlling urine and stool), cognitively, and emotionally. A child also has to be motivated to begin the process. While a child may show signs of readiness as early as 18 months of age, they may not be truly ready until 2 or even 3. Parents too, must be ready and realize that it will take some time. Parents should consider their schedules and think about what other things are going that may make it difficult to commit to the process.

From the site:

Signs that your child may be ready for potty training include the following:
– Staying dry at least two hours at a time during the day or after naps.
– Bowel movements become regular and predictable.
– Child seems uncomfortable with soiled diapers and wants to be changed.
– Child asks to wear regular underwear.
– Child asks to use the toilet or potty-chair.

2. What would you advise a parent to do if they’ve already started the potty training process, but their child starts to resist?

I would suggest that the process be postponed. Parents can always start at a later time. The more a child resists, the harder it will be. It’s important to pay attention to all of the signs of readiness because a child may be ready physically but not developmentally. One of the highlights of the Potty Tots program is that it encourages autonomy. Using the potty is the child’s idea and something he/she can do on his/her own. Children really benefit from the program because it emphasizes consistency and they are able to identify with the characters. Whether your child is afraid or embarrassed, he/she will be able to identify with one of the Potty Tots because they are also scared and/or embarrassed.

3. How should parents approach accidents?

Potty training is a learning process, just like any training that one endeavors. You, as the parent, are the coach. Rather than dwell on the “accident,” view it as a natural part of the process. Continue to provide encouragement.

4. Can you talk a little bit about why the Potty Tots Training Program is successful?

Children enjoy the program because it is fun and motivational. It also engages the senses through the visual and musical components. The program is successful because it’s based on a child’s need for independence. Our motto is “I can do it.” The program builds self-esteem and creates a sense of belonging. Children feel good about themselves because it’s fun and they’re engaging in something that they can do all by themselves. Learning how to use the potty is one of the first steps a child takes towards taking care of him/herself and success results in enhancing self-esteem.

5. The Potty Tots Training Program utilizes rewards. Can you talk a little bit about why rewards are important when potty training a child?

We all like to be rewarded for things that we do. When a child has a visual, tangible way to measure progress, it encourages independence and autonomy. Seeing their progress on a chart is a reward in and of itself. When you are potty training a child, particularly a younger child, rewards need to be frequent and consistent to support the learning process and enhance a child’s self-esteem. Rewards don’t have to be tangible. Praise is the number one reward that children crave. Hugs and kisses are other rewards that motivate and encourage children throughout the process. Eventually, using the potty will become a habit and rewards won’t be as important or even necessary.

A huge thank you to Jill for the time she spent speaking with me and sharing her incredible knowledge on the subject of potty training with all of us!

Here is a little more information about the Potty Tots Potty Training Program:

The Potty Tots Potty Training Program is a child-centered program that provides all of the resources necessary for successful potty training. It features an adorable group of ethnically diverse preschoolers who engage children by singing and dancing their way through the six steps of Potty Training. This highly interactive program addresses multiple learning styles, encouraging kids to participate and ultimately fostering confidence, self-esteem and independence. It provides everything you’ll need for a fun, stress-free potty training experience.

The potty training kit (which is available in both a boy and girl version) includes a storybook, an animated DVD, a step-by-step illustrated potty chart and a game. It retails for $19.95 and can be purchased directly from the site. When you purchase the kit, your child will receive a personalized letter addressed to them from the Potty Tots (how cool is that?). The program is fun and will engage and entertain your child. Your child will WANT to use the potty! Can I just tell you that after my son watched the DVD, he sat on the potty and said, “I did that.” (he had NEVER said that phrase before watching the DVD). Now…he didn’t use the potty that very first time but it showed me that he understood the basic concepts. I love how Jill breaks the process up into six sequential, manageable steps.

If you are in the process of potty training, I highly recommend you try this program. The site alone is a wealth of information including potty training tips and advice for parents, and coloring pages and interactive games for children. Don’t forget to print out a diploma for your child when they’ve completed the program.

Potty Tots recently engaged in the Babes in Toyland celebrity giveaway where they created a custom potty chart for celebrity tots like Suri Cruise and Shiloh Jolie-Pitt. They created a likeness of each child in the “Potty Tots” style. How cute is that?

Jill has some amazing ventures she is about to embark on! In the spring, she will launch a potty training kit for preschools in her area. The kits will be geared towards teachers and will encourage consistency while parents work with their children at home. If you are fortunate enough to live in or near Temecula, check out her potty training classes!

Win It! Jill has graciously offered to give away a boy and a girl training kit! So that means 2 of you will get a chance to try out this amazing program. Head on over to the site and take a look around. Come back here and leave me a comment with how you think this program will benefit you and your child. Comments will close on February 23, 2009 at 10 pm PST. One comment per person, please. US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

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Looking for more giveaways?

Potty Training Series and Giveaways:

Let’s Get This Potty Party Started

Potty Trained Before 2

Positive Reinforcement and Potty Training

Potty Training Accidents?  We’ve Got Ya Covered!

Potty Train the Fun Way With the Potty Tots!

A Neat Solution for Potty Training on The Go

Sustainable (Potty) Training Pants by Seventh Generation

Caryn Bailey
Latest posts by Caryn Bailey (see all)

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114 Responses to Potty Train the Fun Way With the Potty Tots!

  1. What a great idea!! What I really like about it is the DVD, I think that will really help the kids get the idea of what they’re supposed to be doing with that potty!! I also like that it is all positive, no negative or punitive things.
    I would want the boy kit!! My 2 year old son will soon be potty training! I’m learning so much from this Potty Party!!

    Reply

  8. I really liked their motto on their about us page.

    “When I hear, I forget,
    When I see, I remember,
    When I DO, I understand.”

    I think that this kid helps kids truly understand potty training in a fun way! Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply

  13. I think this would ease our frustrations with accidents, and show our daughter that it’s natural to potty train, and that she’s not alone in learning.

    Reply

  21. This would benefit me so much my two and half year old is starting the potty training process and boy is he stubborn!! Likes to sit on the toilet but wont actually go on it!! Any help I can get would be awesome!! This would make him feel special and maybe motivate him!

    Reply

  25. I like that there is a DVD in the potty kit. With two boys on the way, it would benefit me and my pocketbook to get them both potty trained in a reasonable time. It would save on diapers.

    member (dot) thao (at) gmail.com

    Reply

  28. I’m now a grandma to a 2yr old grandaughter. Its been awhile since I had to potty train anyone.. I babysit 3 times a week and need some help because I cant remember how to do this. This is something new to me and I love to try this..

    Reply

  32. I think my son would respond well to the music he’s been responding well to music so this should help him learn to use the potty… I hope!
    Thanks for the entry
    tonyamcrain [at] aol [dot] com

    Reply

  35. Potty Training book saved my Sanity!!
    ________________________________________
    Men’s Health Magazine (Sept. issue) recommends Potty Train Your Child in Just One Day: Proven Secrets of the Potty Pro by Teri Crane. My husband picked us up a copy after reading the article. IT REALLY WORKS!!

    Everyone is talking about throwing a “potty party” to potty train a child. I was so desperate; I was willing to do anything. Her book outlines 10 themed parties. What kid doesn’t love to play and pretend? All my mommy friends have successfully potty trained their kids with her book too.

    Honestly, when I first learned of this book, I thought NO WAY! Maybe this would work on a little girl, but NOT a BOSSY, 2-1/2 year old BOY. NO WAY! Guess what? It REALLY WORKED!!! Teri Crane SAVED MY SANITY!!! Her book was easy to read, funny and extremely helpful. I can’t thank Teri enough. I would HIGHLY recommend this book to EVERY parent. It will save you much grief and frustration. Potty training shouldn’t be difficult, we as parents make it difficult because we don’t know what to do. Teri teaches you. Buy the book, it’s the best money you will ever spend

    Most amazingly, I had some questions, so I called the author, and she CALLED ME BACK!!

    Reply

  38. What a wonderful idea! It has so many great things to help a child along and I love the diploma! I have a grandson and a granddaughter ready to be potty trained and I would love either one. Thank you so much!

    Reply

  40. I would love to win this.
    We ahve two children. Our oldest, Grant, just got potty trained.
    But we had a hard time of it and it took a long time to get there.
    Now it’s time to start with our daugher but she’s refusing already
    to even try.
    If this will help, I would appreciate it so much.

    Reply

  44. I would love to win this for my son, Michael! He loves things personalized for him and he’s 2 now with a new sibling on the way and has shown a little interest but doesn’t seem to initiate on his own! This would be great for him!

    Reply

  45. While our son is only 6 months old, we are starting to think of how we will potty train. I would love to get him using the potty by 2 and this system might work! Thanks! thebubbledies(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply

  46. I’m going to be potty traing my two year old very soon and this would really help. It will be my first time and I’m not exactly sure what I’m doing. 🙂 I think it is a great idea!

    Reply

  53. I need serious help! My son is almost 4 and a half and STILL has no interest in training! He loves DVD’s and the Potty tots are in a situation like he is in right now. His cousin started preschool and my son is kind of wondering why he can’t go. Hopefully, I can find some way to get him interested “) Thanks for the giveaway, looks like a great product!

    Reply

  55. I have been struggling to find a good way to approach this with my son and wow this product looks amazing! I think it would really help!

    Reply

  57. I would love this for my son. He is pretty young but shows a real interest in the potty. I love that it comes with a DVD for him to watch and has 2 bonus music videos. I think the more fun you can make it the better the chance that he will train faster. Atleast I hope 🙂

    Reply

  59. I think this will be terrific. I love the charts, what a great idea. It is good to have something visual for the kids to see the progress they are making. Thanks for the giveaway

    Reply

  60. I am just starting the potty training process with my son and I have no idea how it should be done. I think this system will provide guidance to me and make it tolerable for him! Thanks!

    Reply

  61. My daughter could definitely use this! I’m trying to not be impatient waiting for her to show more interest in potty training, but it’s hard now that I have two in diapers because I would love for her to get out of them. I was especially interested in the illustrated potty chart and the inventor’s daughter being “motivated to follow the steps because she could see what was expected of her. She loved that the little girl on the chart looked just like her! She felt independent and had a sense of pride when she accomplished these tasks.” Sounds like something my daughter would love, too!

    Reply

  63. My little one isn’t quite there yet at potty training but having this fun and educational kit would surely help out a lot! I like how it incorporates their sense of independence to encourage them to learn how to use the potty. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful kit.

    Reply

  66. I would love this. I do home daycare and I think it is a great for the DVD and I think that the kids seeing the reward would work better than a treat (such as a skittle).

    Reply

  70. This program looks great. We’ve been trying to potty train our son for several weeks now. Some days are better than others.

    Thanks for the contest.
    superdavefive(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Reply

  71. This would be great for us and our daughter! She’s our first so we’ve never had the joys of potty training nor do we have any ideas of where to start. So I would love to win this kit!
    thanks

    Reply

  72. I could really use the help in potty training our son. He is 3 and screams when I talk about him going to the big boy potty. I think it would be wonderful to have the help and to be able to show him that it is a good thing and make it a positive experience for us both. Thanks for the chance to win.

    Reply

  73. I like the positive reinforcement with this program. I would love to win this for my 2 1/2 year old!
    Thanks!
    ericbrooks75(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Reply

  75. I love the rewards program. We really need this at our house. We’ve been trying to potty train our son for several months now and we’re still having issues.

    Reply

  76. My son is approaching the potty training age and this program looks great. I think all the positive encouragment along with the fun dvd and coordinating book will be great for him. He loves to read and he also loves music. Sounds like a fantastic program!

    Reply

  77. We are just starting the potty training process. I really don’t think she really understands what she is supposed to do while sitting on her potty chair, so this program sounds like a great motivator, thanks for the chance!

    Reply

  81. I absolutely need this – my daughter refuses to even try to use the potty. Using this program just might work!

    Reply

  88. This is a dream come true! I was just thinking the same thing- ‘where do i find some sort of helpful program on potty training?’–so this is awesome ! thanks so much for the opportunity to win it, as well as the information!

    Reply

  89. This would benefit us because right now I am going it alone and could use something that provides steps and ideas that work. Thanks!

    Reply

  91. I think this product looks great, since it has multiple ways of reinforcing the idea, with the DVD and chart and book. i’d love to win the boy kit for my son!

    Reply

  92. We are still trying to get our daughter to use the potty! This video will help to ease her and understand what to do when she sits down. Thanks for the chance to win such a great prize. Trust me this would be great for us!!!!! 🙂

    Reply

  96. I love that it’s creative, fun and safe. And that it is child centered and designed to build self-esteem, confidence and independence

    thanks

    Reply

  97. My youngest daughter is OBSESSED with the potty, but really needs some direction. I think this could really help learn more about the potty and focus on it’s purpose – not as play.

    Reply

  101. “When I hear, I forget, When I see, I remember, When I Do, I understand”
    I think that this is an amazing program! I think it’ll definitely help teach my 21 month old hoe to use the potty! I want the GIRL set. Thanks

    Reply

  102. I think this will make potty training fun for the both of us and not seem like a chore. I like that various media outlets are used–DVD, book, game, etc. I’m also glad to see that children of various cultures and ethnicities are featured, making this a product that almost any tot can relate to. Thanks so much!

    Reply

  109. I think that the more fun it is, the more interested the child will be. I would love to win this for my lil girl.

    Great product.

    Thanks!

    Reply

  113. I know how difficult it is to potty train. I am hoping this kit will help me with our younger one. It can be so frustrating and challenging. If it helps it go a little easier it is worth it.

    yzgirl4[at]verizon[dot]net

    Reply

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