Potty Training Question and Books

Our son started potty training himself at 25 months, so close to your sons age. He hadn't had juice before except maybe here and there at other people's houses like when Grandma had him or MAYBE birthday parties. (We put it off and limit it because of the harm it does to teeth.) But it worked GREAT for potty training. He'd sit on the potty with his little cup of juice. That was enough incentive for him to stay on the potty. And it didn't take long before we had opportunity to praise him for peeing on the potty (juice gave him ammunition to go). So he potty trained VERY easily and early particularly for a boy. When he would go, he's get truck candy (a piece of the monster jam fruit snacks) and when he went poopy he'd get a different piece of candy like from his Easter basket. So, I'd say go with it. I wouldn't push or anything. Just keep letting it be his idea. The Bjorn potty (9.99 at Babies R us) is EXCELLENT for boys. The guard is built into the molded piece of plastic, so it all gets into the potty and so easy to clean. Worked great for my first and is working well so far for my second (though he's just 21 months and a stubborn one, so we are at the VERY early stages with my second). He may regress with the baby or he may not and may regress with something else, but why not go with it and see. We like the once upon a potty. Honestly it didn't do much with my first because he was so self motivated, but my second LOVES to sing the potty song and watch the babies. He also tells us when he poops or pees in his diaper a lot of times now...just a stubborn one who wants to still use his diaper, but hey, we're taking it at his pace to see when he is comfortable with the potty. Hope this helps and best wishes to you all with the busy times ahead!

If he's interested I say go for it. My son LOVED "Everybody Poops." I'd have to look up the author when I get home- he still loves reading it and he's 4 now. It's a book that shows different animals pooping and then shows how everyone was created to poop in their own special way. I thought the book was a bit odd when I first read it... he found it at a garage sale. Its been the best thing ever though. He used to get on the toilet and then say "Everybody poops, right mommy?" sooo cute!!

Hi T., It sounds like your little one is ready to be a big boy! I have been a child care provider since 1996, and I have a 14 year old of my own. I have provided fun stickers as a reward for potty time. I would not wait until baby is born if he is showing interest now, go for it! You may see a little regression when his borther is born, but it should be temporary. To start out it would be a good idea for you and the child care provider to stick with the same potty schedule(even on weekends). It is good to have him try potty every two hours to start. What usually happens, is their little bodies get adjusted to going at these times and the rest works like magic. Big boy under wear should be worn when you are dedicated to getting them potty trained. Just provide the child care provider with a change of clothes.(There will be accidents). Children at this age are very happy to hear words of encouragement like, "good job, big boy, I am so proud of you" In my daycare we have a potty song, and we clap and sing for those who are potty training. This is such a fun stage, and it should be handled as a pleasant experience! Good Luck with everything, and congratulations on your new bundle to come:)

P.

Hi T.!
We read a lot of books...It's Potty Time by by Smart Kids Book(they have one for girls and one for boys), Once Upon a Potty by Alona Frankel (she has one for girls and one for boys). I learned not to force it. Just keep letting him show interest and ask him "whenever you're ready to go potty, if you need help, mommy will help you." Be forwarned that when the baby comes, he might regress. THat's why it's just good for now to mention it everyday and not force it. My pediatrician told me to wait until after the baby came and it worked out so much better that way.

Good Luck and be patient!
K. :0)