Special Report: Once Upon a Potty

Most parents will tell you potty training can be a trying experience at times.

Marney Kelly
"Potty training for us was really difficult with two and really easy with two."

Children's composer Ari Frankel of Boston says he uses music dolls and even dance to help children "do away with diapers!" But the story goes back 30 years to his own mother, Alona, who wrote "Once Upon a Potty" to help his younger brother.

Ari Frankel
"It worked, and friends wanted copies and it came to different languages and climbed to become this really magical, effective, classic best-seller."

Three decades later, this fun experience has grown beyond the book!

Ari Frankel
"There are the boy and girl books, audio cassettes, DVDs, VHS's, dolls, wonderful plush doll sets with their own mini plastic potty, and full sized potties for the child to use."

Ari says the reason it works is because it's an honest and direct approach to helping a child tackle their first big task.

Marney Kelly
"There's no bells and whistles so kids are in tune with that and they like it."

Marney Kelly of Plymouth says she remembers three years ago how difficult it was to get her son Ryan out of his diapers.

Marney Kelly
"We spent two weeks outside during the summer with the music and the potty itself with him running around and it really did work."

Jennifer Eaton
"She loved that video..."

And now Jennifer Eaton is hoping it won't take her daughter long to tackle the toilet.

Jennifer Eaton
"The book is a great tool because it just gives them those words to use and just to see that other kids go through it."

But Ari says, it's important to remember...

Ari Frankel
"No one has ever gone to college without being potty trained."

Parenting experts say it's important not to put pressure on your toddler and make sure they feel supported in order to achieve success. Once upon the potty products range from and $6 to $29.

Contact:
Child Matters Corporation
Once Upon A Potty
617.285.0448
Once Upon a Potty

(Copyright (c) 2006 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)