Day 88: Potty Animals

Now that my son is successfully potty trained, I can breathe a big sigh of relief.  I was really hoping he would be comfortable and confident about using the potty before beginning preschool this fall, but there is another whole element to potty training that I never thought of before finding this great book on the library shelf:  public potty etiquette.  Sure, we've got him pretty well trained to wash his hands and turn off the bathroom light when he is done, but what about all of the other potty manners he'll be expected to practice at school and elsewhere?  There's an awful lot to remember!  Knock first, shut the door, be sure to flush, know that others might be waiting for their turn... Fortunately, there's a great book to help with all of this.  Potty Animals:  What to Know When You've Gotta Go! is a fun, informative, age appropriate way to teach and reinforce proper potty etiquette to young children.  Hope Vestergaard was brilliant to write this kind of story, and I would imagine it is a favorite of preschools everywhere.  Her rhyming, rolling lyrics and Valeria Petrone's cute illustrations combine to create a charming, practical potty book.  My son loves all the of the animals at Sycamore Preschool, and more importantly, has learned a lot about their all-too-common potty mistakes.  Freddy is afraid to flush.   Helga lollygags.  Ziggy forgets to do up his zipper.  Farley doesn't close the door.  Arnold's aim could use a little work.  Benji is a barger.  The characters' forgetfulness offers friendly reminders about the right thing to do in a way that is cute and informative, not punitive or accusatory.  The many lessons taught throughout are all reviewed at the end of the book: "Plan ahead.  Don't wait too long.  Go potty before you sleep.  Excuse yourself.  Knock first.  Be sure to lift up the seat.  Close the door.  Don't lollygag. Never forget to wipe.  Wash your hands.  Zip and flush.  Always turn out the light!"  If you're looking for a fun way to teach these manners that will really resonate with your child, we highly recommend Potty Animals.  There's a lot to know when you've got to go, and this book definitely helps!