5 answers

Potty Training - Copperas Cove, TX

My toddler knows when he pees & poos & he lets me know when he is going or has gone. He won't use his potty chair or the big toilet. Once he used his potty chair when he pooped, but he seemed scared & he's never done it since. I would really appreciate any suggestions on getting him to use the potty. I haven't been trying to push him into it, but he's been very interested for months now. I have kept him in undies or naked from the waist down when we're home. Please help!!!

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More Answers

I like the idea expressed of asking his dad to 'show' him how it's done. That should work, its a nice natural way of doing it.

If he does not like his potty chair its probably too high and big for him. Get him an inexpensive separate plastic potty (that will unfortunately have to be emptied into the toilet). He should feel safe with that.

Good luck!

Just a thought, but I have a friend who put a bell in by the potty. Each time she or her husband used the restroom, they'd ring the bell. Of course, their little one wanted to ring the bell too, but he was only allowed to if he pottied in the toilet. Not sure if that would work for your little one, but perhaps that, or some other incentive would make it a more positive experience.

I've trained two, one boy one girl and my son was the easiest, he simply wanted to go in the potty. My daughter was harder as she didn't really care where she went, she just had to go. What we did was buy a big booklet of stickers (WalMart $2-3) and hung them via removalble tape in the bathroom. Everytime someone had to go potty, she went with them (even big brother) and if she sat on the potty she got stickers, one for each hand so no one is left out. ;) Eventually we had to strech out the time and she would sit until we were done before getting stickers. We asked a lot in between, just to cover our bases and her intrest gradually grew, but it worked. She's 27 months and is working on no nighttime accidents = no pull-ups.

Tricks beyond stickers, cheerios "Aim and shoot", pee on a tree- this is a favorite boy pasttime, and remember make it fun.

It takes time, but it's worth it!! Good luck.

How old is your son? My daughter has been showing signs of being very interested since she was 18 months...but is now two and still is not using the toilet. We haven't really concentrated on it, but she tells me when her diaper is wet or dirty too.

From what I understand, 3 is more realistic age. That being said, I've know moms who were able to get their 18 month olds to be fully trained. A lot has to do with whether or not they are at home or in daycare--you can be much more successful at home.

I bought a couple of inexpensive potty seats from IKEA (they are really simple and cute and cheap) and we keep one handy all the time. She knows what it is for and she's gotten it wet a couple of times. I just try to encourage her whenever possible.

From what I've witnessed, my daughter is just beginning to talk about the potty, the less you force the better. If they are fighting it tooth and nail, it won't be a good experience for either of you. If he seems scared, try to figure out why. I've heard that some are scared of being flushed. It will eventually click, so don't worry too much.
As for incentives...I've heard of using fruit loops in the bowl for them to aim at. One M&M everytime they use the potty successfully. Stickers on a card working up to a bigger "prize". Marbles in a jar for a bigger prize.
Just like with everything else, do what works best for you and yours.

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