Author(s): Todd Spector

Children

Potty training can be frustrating, especially with frequent accidents and many false alarms. When my wife and I started to potty train our son Abe, we invented a method called free style. Abe would make up styles for using the potty, and we would try to guess what they were. Instead of worrying about when he would be ready or how long the process would take, we decided to have fun with it. The result was a lesson and a game that kept the whole family laughing. Many of Abe's styles included props-masks, swords, light sabers, hats- and we encouraged him to be as wacky as possible. He liked to pee outside, so we designated a few areas where he could do this in our garden. Of course, we also found ways to bring the game inside to the toilet. Abe was quickly potty trained and still, a year later, he occasionally comes up with a new style, using his creativity-and keeping our bathrooms clean. Dr ToddUseful advice turns the dreaded potty-training process into an exciting adventure for all.