Potty Training

Not there myself, but I've read some on it. I'd think that in the beginning, maybe letting him help you pick out the potty chair (if he's so inclined). Just having it in the bathroom where he can sit when you use the potty. Having some books for him to look at while basically "pretending" to go potty. Really, just letting him get used to the whole idea but having no pressure what-so-ever.You could probably also start working on other skills essential to going potty like washing his hands himself and drying up the sink (because every child I've ever known makes a 'mess' with the water while washing their hands! =) ), getting out of and into his clothes by himself, etc. Things that aren't necessarily skills only for going potty, but sure would make it easier if he knows how to do them by the time he's actively being trained, KWIM?Another thing might be to just start talking with him about how you know you have to go potty (I've tried to think about this myself and its not always an easy sensation to describe!). It might help him start to figure out the sensations telling him he has to go.I would definately say, though, that at this point don't really push anything related to the potty because it can only hurt later on. You'd be stressed, DS would be stressed, and no one would be accomplishing anything. I'd really just let him explore right now.

I have to tell you my children's ped said that for boys, if you try to potty train them too soon, it backfires. I'd say it's not true with everyboy, but definitely happened with my youngest! He recommends waiting for a boy to be close to 2 1/2 before training.Now, with my oldest child, when he was 18 months old I put the potty chair in my bathroom and when I went, he wanted to sit, too. If he did go potty, he got to wear a pull-up, which is the only time I ever used pull-ups with him. He liked the characters on them.He pretty much trained himself a little bit before 2 /12.My youngest is 2 1/2 and potty training hasn't been as easy for him. He can do it, he just doens't seem to have the control to be consistent yet.I would agree with mrsdata, let him explore, but don't push him yet. He's still kind of young.

Jordan was 2 in February and I'm not worried about potty training him yet. He's JUST started being able to tell me if he has a #2 diaper and we talk about it during changes..which he HATES. I tell him when he goes poopy in the potty he won't have to wear a diaper anymore. He knows where the potty is..and he loves saying "bye bye" when I flush. Other than that he has no interest. I'm gonna get him a potty chair when he's 2.5.

Our oldest was easy. He wanted to and quickly got it. I guess he was set by 2 1/2. The 'accidents' in the training pants prompted us in to puting in real underware. It took 2 accidents and that straightened up right away. He did not like that. However, for about the next year we had to 'remind' him to go when he was really involved with playing.That was 'Day'. Now we have 'Night'.Our youngest (3 in June) wanted to be like big brother and started on his own at about 2. But, that is only for pee and he will goes big streatches of time and do nothing on the potty. If we go out for 4-5 hours, he will be bone dry when we get home. Even at night, he is usually dry.We just can't get him to be consistant and go on the potty. If you ask, it is an resounding 'NO' and refusal to go. But, wet his trainers minutes later.Since he has only pooped twice on the potty in 8 months, we can't do the real underware trick with him. Bribes (M&M's) only help a little bit. We are not sure what to do but ride it out for a while longer.In his defense, he is no where as mature as his brother at the same age. So, we are trying to deal with him on his own timeline.

The thing to remember is that every child developes at different stages and ages. My oldest was potty trained at the age of 3. We started him at 2 but he was not ready and I think we scared him in the beginning. We backed off and let him lead a little with our help of books and dvds about potty training. Now our youngest really started to potty with his own potty chair about 18 months. But family visited, big brother was home for the holiday so we really got off on the routine. He will go poop on the potty but won't go pee. Such the opposite of my oldest. We are working on rewards and talk about it alot. He is 2 1/2 now. One thing I learned with our oldest is you get frustrated because you want them to be a big boy but understand that they may not be ready. My son seemed to just get it one day and we were good from then on. Take it slow. Each child will tell you when its right for them. Infact our doctor told us the average for most boys is 4 years old. Good luck on your new adventure! Michelle

Ah the potty!!! We busted out the potty seat a few months ago--when M switched rooms at daycare, she wanted to sit on the potty like the "big kids" who were in the process of potty training. Thus her current name, SuperStreak. She's obsessed with dressing and undressing now. What's been good so far for us: a) putting potties in each one of our bathrooms b) having her come in with me whenever I go (she's done this forever) and showing her the potty sign (making a fist and turning it back and forth) while I'm going c) having her sit on the potty WHENEVER she wants. It's right next to the tub, so at night, she sits on it before bath (and usually goes). She also sits (and goes) again after bath. d) letting her run around half naked when we are at home--she tends to go on the potty if she's not clothed. Although she has pooped on the floor twice!! e) using the terms "wet" and "dry", pee-pee and poo-poo when changing diapers/pull ups--she's catching on, sort of. I've always heard boys do this later, but I think just putting the potty out there and letting him decide when to sit on it is a pretty gentle way to "start" (or really, let him start) the process!! And you know, there's always the naked-all-summer-outside method to try too!!