<p>
<img class="left" src="images/stories/savvy_mommy_7/tericrane.jpg" border="0" alt="tericrane" title="Teri Crane the Potty Pro" width="160" height="225" align="left" />
Teri Crane, the <a href="http://www.tericrane.com/">Potty
Pro</a> and author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0743273133/islandtravela-20">Potty
Train Your Child in Just One Day</a> answers the Savvy Mommy 7 -
</p>
<p>
<strong>1. What led you to create this one-day potty training technique?</strong>
</p>
<p>
Frankly, I was desperate. My son had landed on the dreaded &quot;Do Not Promote&quot; list barring him
graduation from nursery school to preschool. Like most
preschools in the US, Spencer&#39;s had a rule that children could not
enroll until they were potty trained. In other words: No
potty, no preschool. All my attempts to potty train him were
failing miserably. I bribed him with treats, stickers, and
toys. I bought different potty chairs, thinking he&#39;d like one over
the other. But in the end, nothing was working and he was
becoming hostile and refusing to sit and even try. When I&#39;d
say, &quot;Come on honey, let&#39;s sit and try to go pee-pee on the
potty. He&#39;d always reply, I don&#39;t want to or I don&#39;t need
to, I&#39;ll go in 5 minutes or, maybe I try tomorrow.&quot;
</p>
<p>
As the deadline for preschool
enrollment loomed, I became <em>more</em> and <em>more</em>
desperate. To make matter worse, all of my son&#39;s little potty
trained friends were being promoted to preschool, and he was about to
be left behind--all because he couldn&#39;t  go to the bathroom by
himself. The clock was ticking and I needed a shortcut--fast. 
The time for drastic action was at hand!
</p>
<p>
<strong>2. How did you get the idea to write this book?</strong>
</p>
<p>
<img class="right" src="images/stories/savvy_mommy_7/pottytrainyourchildinjuston.jpg" border="0" alt="pottytrainyourchildinjuston" title="Potty Train Your Child in Just One Day" width="159" height="240" align="right" />Necessity is the Mother of Invention. I had read one of the ways parents could teach a toddler to use the
potty was to first guide a potty training doll or stuffed animal to
use the potty. The question was, how could I get him to do this
in a way that would be fun for both of us? I had already tried
bribes and treats, so I knew I had to come up with an incentive that
he would think was awesome.
</p>
<p>
And then it occurred to me like a flash of lightening; a party! All I had to do was say the word
&quot;party&quot; and Spencer&#39;s eyes would light up. I would
plan an all day party for the specific purpose of potty training him.
</p>
<p>
Kids love parties! In
Toddler-Speak, a party means fun, games,cake, candy, presents and
prizes. For a two- or three- year-old, it doesn&#39;t get any
better than that. In Mom-Speak, a party is a fun way to
motivate a child to learn a new behavior--in this case using the
toilet. Giving a toddler motivation is critical to a parents
success. Because when it comes to potty training, most kids
have absolutely no incentive--none. And when you look at it
from there perspective, why would they? Life experience has
proven that it&#39;s fast, easy and convenient to go in their diapers.
</p>
<p>
<strong>3. What are your own personal
experiences with potty training?</strong>
</p>
<p>
I have had thousands of parents potty
train their child in one day. But I also have a lot of parents
customize the program to the need of their child. Not every
child needs to be potty trained in one day. A parent must
always take into consideration the needs of the child. Whether
you do the program in a day, weekend or over a couple of weeks-- is
all fine. The ultimate goal should be to make the experience
very enjoyable for the child.
</p>
<p>
To make the process exciting and fun, I
have included a dozen detailed potty party themes, such as, the
princess ball, teddy bear picnic, splish, splash, beach bash, all
aboard train trip, and fun on the farm. Each theme is complete with
suggestions for decorations, food and drinks, games, books, music,
prizes and presents. To help you decide which theme potty party
your child will find motivational and fun, I offer recommendations
based on personality, preferences, and the concerns and fears your
child has about using the potty.
</p>
<p>
<strong>4.
How does it feel to have written such a successful book?</strong>
</p>
<p>
I am very proud to have been able
to help other parents who are in the same tough spot I was
in a few years ago. The book is already in its 3rd
printing since being released in 3 months ago!
</p>
<p>
You also work with teens and youth
programs that focus on positively achieving goals. How did you
get started with that? Does your success inspire them to focus
on their own personal goals?
</p>
<p>
I started working with victims of
domestic violence. I would go into shelters and give speeches
to help/encourage/inspire the women and children. I feel very
passionate to help teens and youths achieve their
goals and dreams. As Magic Johnson always says, &quot;All kids
need a little help, a little hope, and somebody who believes in
them.&quot;
</p>
<p>
<strong>5. Have you ever had a funny or
embarrassing experience being America&#39;s Potty Pro</strong>?
</p>
<p>
Not Yet. :-)
</p>
<p>
<strong>6. What&#39;s once piece of advice you
could give to moms going through potty training right now?</strong>
</p>
<p>
Go into potty training with an open
mind. Please give <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0743273133/islandtravela-20">my
book</a> a chance. If you have any questions and
you&#39;d like to contact me, please do so. My personal email is:
<a href="mailto:tericrane@yahoo.com">tericrane@yahoo.com</a>.
I would be more than happy to spend as much time as you
need discussing any of your concerns. And remember, I&#39;ve
heard it all.
</p>
<p>
<strong>7. What book are you reading right
now?</strong>
</p>
<p>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0743273133/islandtravela-20">Mine</a>
;-)
</p>
