Ready, Set, Go!: A Gentle Parenting Guide to Calmer, Quicker Potty Training

by Sarah Ockwell-Smith

Overview

A calmer, simpler approach to potty training

If you're like most parents, you're probably feeling pretty nervous about potty training. But don't worry, help is on the way. This supportive guide provides step-by-step advice for a compassionate and emotionally aware process—one that focuses on positive connection rather than relying on gimmicks, pressure, or rewards (which usually backfire).

Topics include:
  
  *  Signs your child is ready, and how to begin
  *  Preparing your child emotionally
  *  Tips for coping when away from home
  *  Advice for handling accidents and setbacks
  *  Practical stories and tips from parents

Written by popular parenting expert Sarah Ockwell-Smith, creator of Gentle Parenting, this is the only book you'll need to guide your child through this developmental milestone—without trauma, drama and tears (for child and parents alike!).

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780143131908
Publisher:	Penguin Publishing Group
Publication date:	06/05/2018
Pages:	208
Sales rank:	422,387
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.20(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Sarah Ockwell-Smith is a parenting expert whose blog (at SarahOckwell-Smith.com) is read by two million parents each year. A trained prenatal teacher, birth and postnatal doula, and pediatric homeopath, she is also the cofounder of GentleParenting.com. Sarah lives with her family, including four school-age children along with cats and assorted farm animals, in a 350-year-old cottage in rural Essex, England. She is also the author of Gentle Discipline.

Read an Excerpt

Chapter 1
(Continues…)

---

Excerpted from "Ready, Set, Go!"
by .
Copyright © 2018 Sarah Ockwell-Smith.
Excerpted by permission of Penguin Publishing Group.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

---

Editorial Reviews

05/21/2018
Parenting expert Ockwell-Smith (Gentle Discipline) presents a practical, reassuring plan for toilet training based on four major components: teamwork, compassion, being informed, and offering no rewards. She begins by dispelling myths (for instance, it’s not true that girls are ready before boys) and examining the physiological and behavioral signs of “readiness” (one indicator, for instance, may be that the child’s diaper remains dry for two or more hours, indicating increasing bladder capacity). She then lays out her plan, advising that parents set aside a minimum of three to seven days to devote to the initial stage; during the first three, the parent or caregiver stays home with the child, supporting his or her learning process (rewards such as stickers or treats, she claims, are not necessary or desirable if a child is truly ready). In fact, Ockwell-Smith asserts, there is no “perfect time” to begin: put “convenience aside” and take the child’s lead. She covers all the basics: choosing a toilet (no frills is best), dealing with accidents, nighttime training, and more, and also includes a helpful question-and-answer section addressing common problems. Herself the mother of four, Ockwell-Smith has a gentle tone and commonsense approach that will assist parents facing this exciting but frequently anxiety-laden transition with their child. (June)

Publishers Weekly

Praise for Sarah Ockwell-Smith and Ready, Set, Go!
 
“I love the way Sarah breaks the concept down into clear guidelines — without being strident about one right way to be a parent — and the way she addresses the challenge of shifting from mainstream parenting to more gentle ways. The world can be a harsh place; families don't have to be." 
—Lawrence J. Cohen, PhD, author of Playful Parenting
 
“Provides a welcome antidote to the storm of advice that so often overwhelms new parents.” 
—Dr. Laura Markham, author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids
 
"With her trademark forthright approach, Sarah Ockwell-Smith offers advice and guidance for parenting children in a way that encourages and enables them to grow and learn." 
—Dr. Gill Rapley, author of Baby Led Weaning
 
"Sarah Ockwell-Smith does a fantastic job of clarifying the research, pointing out the myths we have taken as fact, and the biological realities for our little ones"
—Dr. Tracey Cassels, founder of www.evolutionaryparenting.com
 
 "As always, Sarah has written a book that is easy to read and jam-packed with new ideas to help little ones."
—Marneta Viegas, founder of www.relaxkids.com
 
"Beautifully written and explains the research exceptionally well. It has just the right touch of explanation, reassurance and science to help mothers feel confident."
—Diana West, international board certified lactation consultant, La Leche League leader and author
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

From the Publisher

05/15/2018
Blogger Ockwell-Smith (SarahOckwell-Smith.com) is read by two million parents each year. As a prenatal teacher, birth and postnatal doula, cofounder of GentleParenting.com, and mother of four, the author provides tips for potty training. In the first chapter, bringing her gentle approach to a developmental milestone, she devotes attention to the physiological factors involved in potty training and how to know when your child is ready. The decision can only be made by your child, advises the author. As the text continues, she provides suggestions on how to begin and answers questions, such as do pull ups contribute to a mixed message that slows the process? And are girls usually ready to potty train before boys? She disagrees with the common carrot-dangling reward method, preferring a more mindful technique using effort-based praise and dealing with emotions involved in the act itself. Nighttime training is a common struggle for parents, and the author dedicates an entire section to solving evening potty woes. The last chapter contains common questions parents ask, and helpful recommendations of books and videos for children fill the appendix. VERDICT There is little new here, but potty training is of perennial interest to parents, and newbies may find this a solid starter manual.

Library Journal

07/01/2018
Blogger Ockwell-Smith (SarahOckwell-Smith.com) is read by two million parents each year. As a prenatal teacher, birth and postnatal doula, cofounder of GentleParenting.com, and mother of four, the author provides tips for potty training. In the first chapter, bringing her gentle approach to a developmental milestone, she devotes attention to the physiological factors involved in potty training and how to know when your child is ready. The decision can only be made by your child, advises the author. As the text continues, she provides suggestions on how to begin and answers questions, such as do pull-ups contribute to a mixed message that slows the process? And are girls usually ready to potty train before boys? She disagrees with the common carrot-dangling reward method, preferring a more mindful technique using effort-based praise and dealing with emotions involved in the act itself. Nighttime training is a common struggle for parents, and the author dedicates an entire section to solving evening potty woes. The last chapter contains common questions parents ask, and helpful recommendations of books and videos for children fill the appendix. VERDICT There is little new here, but potty training is of perennial interest to parents, and newbies may find this a solid starter manual.—Julia M. Reffner, North Chesterfield, VA

School Library Journal