[swissmiss]

DH bought the potty chair when ds was just 2 and it has been used exactly once since then. Now ds is almost 3, and will "announce" (even in the middle of a store!) that "poop's coming". I think that's a step in the right direction, and I'll say "that's good", but I haven't pushed the issue until now.

My question: If I dare to suggest "do you want to sit on the potty?" he says "No! No!" and almost starts to cry, as if I were suggesting that we do something really unpleasant. Anyone else have this problem? What's the next step?
Thanks!~

 

[sarahrose]

Do nothing, seriously. Don't push it. I'm sure that's not what you want to hear but I think it's a big sign he's not ready if he's freaking out about the toilet. My ds1 was nearly 3.5 before he was trained and I spent 3 months or so cleaning up messes and accidents. I should have waited.

Each child is different. While some children will learn pretty early, some (especially boys) often learn later. If you feel you must do something and feel he is definatley ready and just needs a little push here's what I'd do:

1. Take him to the store, have him pick out some really cool underpants. (even if you don't do characters or anything, something just may look cool to him even if he doesn't know what it is)

2. Put them on him during the day (pants or no pants) and expect to change him frequently. (or let him run around naked)

3. Tell him where hew should go but don't push it. Don't get frustrated if he has accidents. Nonchalantly change him and casually remind him where he can go.

If he's ready this shouldn't take too long before he gets it but if he's not just go back to what you normally use and wait a month or so before you try again. I think the key is to not be frustrated and be willing to step back and admit he's not ready even if you are. HTH

 

[bobica]

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[swissmiss]

Thanks. I figured as much, but needed some support. It's just not a huge deal for me, since I'm not hell-bent on sending him to pre-school in the Fall as the rest of the family thinks I should. I am the mommy. Period.