initiating potty training on his own, but...

[mrskatiekuj]

In the last few weeks, Henry (3) has completely initiated using the potty full time by himself. In fact, I almost feel like I am pulling back because I'm so afraid of failing with it again.
He is in underwear full time except for bedtime.

My first question is: How long did it take/When did you stop expecting - accidents to happen? He is still having at least one accident a day. It is almost always when he is wearing jeans, which I think might be because he has trouble getting them on and off, but I wonder how long this will last?

Second question: How long did you feel the need to tell them when to go pee? He definitely goes on the toilet all by himself, but it seems like if he is super engaged in play or in a fun place like the zoo - he just will not go on his own accord. However he HATES when I try and prompt him, and it makes him really frustrated. However, most times when I coerce him to at least "try" he ends up going, and clearly had to go all along. He definitely wants to wear underwear and wants to use the toilet, but I do not feel like he would have a completely successful day if I did not insist on him trying to go after I've noticed he hasn't gone in awhile.

any tips on getting them to use the potty without it being a power struggle? or do I just let it go and he will slowly stop having accidents?

thanks ladies
 

[bigjooba]

No advice as such, just support. I am going through the exact same thing as we speak. My son also hates to be reminded. He asks for a diaper to poop (absolutely will not use toilet to poop), and now after 2 weeks of "training" he wants to wear a diaper again. I am going mad!!!!! So, at the moment all I can think of is just to perservere. Maybe try stickers when he successfully goes potty to minimise accidents, but try not to go back to diapers because it is so hard for my son to let go of his beloved diapers. Hang in there and keep us posted with your progress.

[bigjooba]

By the way, my son is the same age, having just turned 3 in February.