How can I get my soon to be five year old interested in potty training?

Patricia - posted on 09/15/2012

Well think about it. This is the one thing he can control. I would get him checked out to make sure it is nothing physical. Once he checks out ok then try just going straight to undies. Maybe undies that have his fav character on them? Don't want to pee or poop on your friend there-haha.

Kumari Ghafoor - posted on 09/15/2012

I used the 3 Day Potty Training Book by Lora Jensen. It truly worked. And was an easy read. I could email it to you if you email me. Good luck.

Patricia - posted on 08/22/2012

First would make sure there is nothing medically wrong and after that try just putting him in training pants. Not pullups, but a thicker underwear. Maybe after he feels it going down his leg or mess in his pants he will start using the toilet. Is he afraid of the toilet at all? This was the case with my Daughter. She didn't like the flushing. She did finally get over it. Toilet training is easy and quick for some and hard and stressful for others. hang in there and don't give up. I know it is easier to clean up the mess in the diaper or pull up versus the underwear, but in the end it will be worth it.

Jennifer - posted on 08/22/2012

Oh, forgot... when it comes to boys: My college pysch professor said something that stuck with me - Boys tend to see #2 as a "part of them" and it scares them to flush it down the toilet, in the way that they think they are flushing their arm down it or something. You need to make sure that this isnt how your son feels. That he realizes its just waste from what we eat; it goes in, it goes out, it goes down the potty. Try having a really deep conversation with him to see if there's some underlaying reason he doesnt WANT to use a toilet, like if there's some fear for him - my daughter (now 6) refused to flush for the longest time. What happened was, her father used it first. She went in, went, and flushed. It plugged (haha). So she came running out to us, her dad goes in to plunge it, and before he could stop her, she reached out and hit the lever again - sending poopy water all over the floor. So he starts yelling. She comes running out to me, and refused to flush the toilet for like, a year. She was SURE it would overflow everytime. I explained time and time again, you just cant flush it TWICE, but she would always call me in, and I'd have to sit there while she flushed. OY! And yeah, she was like, 5. So, my point is just this; see if theres something else going on, if its not just about not "wanting" to use the potty. Then next stop might be your pedi.
Best of luck to the both of you!

Jennifer - posted on 08/22/2012

I have to admit I'm somewhat shocked that at almost 5 he has shown no interest in potty training. I've heard that boys are harder to potty train, no doubt about it, but it's time to put your foot down, mama! My oldest daughter was a CINCH to potty train - she was using the potty full time at only 14 months (walked at 8, did everything early). I'll tell ya how I did it - I left the diaper off, accidently, at first. It took one time, she went in her pants. Walked out looking at me, ready to cry, and I'm like, 'oh, I forgot your diaper! But see how it feels when you go in your pants? We dont like that, huh?' And you know what? I made her sit in it for a bit. It seemed like if I went back to putting diapers on her, she'd use them. If she was wearing panties, she used the potty. SOO - Dont give in the SECOND he wets his pants and change his outfit, instead, seriously, make him sit in it for a few minutes. He needs to be uncomfortable, or he'll never learn. And be prepared to do extra laundry. But stick to your guns, dont give in. Its time he puts on some big boy panties.
I would also talk your pediatrician. He may have a physical problem hindering his potty training. If you can get him using the toilet during the day, but still have problems at night, there are medications that can help with bedwetting. But certainly, if you havent done so already, its time to have a frank conversation with you pedi, and as I've seen some other moms write, perhaps he's not ready for kindergarten yet. Every child is different. I started K at 4, graduated at 17 with high honors, but, similarly, kids in my class graduated at almost 19, and still struggled. Dont compare him to anyone else, just use your own opinion, and decide if you think he's really ready to begin school yet or not.

Jill - posted on 08/18/2012

a friend of mine had the same issue with her son, except it was overnight potty training. one night, she simply said, as she grabbed the last diaper out of the cabinet, "uh oh! last diaper! tomorrow you're gonna have to sleep without a diaper on!" so he had one night to get used to the idea and she did not buy any more diapers and it worked. perhaps something like that would help your son. dont just stop cold turkey but show him that there's only 1 diaper left (or however many you think is best) and stick with it. you have the power to buy more diapers or not. maybe this idea will help you like it helped my friend. Oh! and since your son is 5, he's old enough to clean up his own mess, at least help clean it up. ;)

is there something he's really into? a specific toy that would really get him motivated to want to nix the diapers? also, perhaps a friend who's got a son the same age as your son to mention or ask him why he wears diapers. kids can be so honest with each other. maybe it's as simple as another 5 year old saying, "dude, i can hear your underwear. why are you wearing a diaper?" does your son know that kids will tease him in school? what's he going to do if his diaper is wet, stinky and sagging while at school?

good luck! you'll figure this out and so will he!

Laura - posted on 08/17/2012

My grandson had trouble with using the toilet for pooping. At 3+ he said he was afraid of it and would ask for a diaper to do his business. His new age mom gave in, but his old school dad finally had enough. My suggestion was when the kid asked for diaper he was simply told no and that he was expected to use the potty. Dad needed to say he understood about being afraid and go in the bathroom with him and wait with him until he went....bring a book if you have to, but be prepared to wait it out. It took only a couple of tries this way and it was over.

All kids are different, but their needs are same. Understanding and consistency are the keys.

Carly - posted on 08/17/2012

Thanks Emily, we're trying! My husband is not very good at controlling his frustration either so I know what you're dealing with.

Emily - posted on 08/17/2012

Carly, we are going through the same thing with my just turned 4 year old. She was potty trained for wee and is dry at night and in her underpants all the time. That was 11 months ago. She is still pooing in her underpants. My older son went through a similar thing for two months around his 3rd birthday, but was soon completely toilet trained. It does get frustrating, but what I think doesn't help is the frustration. My husband works away and when he comes home he gets frustrated because she isn't pooing on the toilet (his parents were of the generation that believed Pamela is right!). The pre-school (soon to be full-time reception in September whether we like it or not!) gets frustrated because they don't like changing her. I try to back off and give her encouragement, but nothing seems to help. So if I would offer any advice it would be to not make a fuss over the messes and to make a big, positive celebration out of the successes. They do sense our frustrations and if they can't poo on the toilet yet, they may feel guilty for letting us down. It will come eventually (I keep telling myself). Good luck and hope you have more luck than I have had.

Carly - posted on 08/16/2012

Pamela, that was extremely rude, judgemental and not helpful in any way. We are here to SUPPORT one another, not chastise and belittle.

Marisol, I have a boy that turned 3 in May and we've been on the potty training wagon for a while now. I think we've finally got #1 down, but #2 is still an issue. He's been wearing big boy underwear for quite a while now and it has helped, but it has been a slow and patient-shrinking road. Just don't give up. There have been many days when I question my abiility as a parent, but then I remind myself that every child is different. My 6 year old was completely potty trained (day and night) at 3; this one has me baffled. He IS progressing, it's just VERY slow. But I use the small successes to keep us all motivated to keep it up. We use stickers as a reward, but the small dollar store toy idea may be more affective for your child's age group (I'm actually thinking of trying that one myself). All I can say is keep trying, and keep up the good work!

Dove - posted on 08/15/2012

Pamela, I find many of your comments to be downright insulting.... First of all why hasn't this child been potty trained between 1 to 2 years of age when that usually occurs for those who want the best for their children? .... Seriously. So... those of us that don't potty train by 2 don't want the best for our children? Wow.....

Sometimes you do have some good advice and points, but you are incredibly insulting to GOOD parents more times than I can count.

Kristi - posted on 08/15/2012

Take away the pull-ups!!! He should not be wearing them at that age. Let him pick out his own underwear and take him to the toilet every couple hours whether he initiates or not. Also - let him pick which toilet to use. My daughter prefers to sit on her Elmo seat on the big potty rather than her little pink potty. Then when she goes potty on the toilet and washes her hands, she gets a marshmallow. I don't give her sugary things normally, so this is perfect incentive for her and she always wants to go potty for her marshmallow....and I will sacrifice a few grams of sugar in order to get her excited about the potty. She is 2.5 and she tells me when she has to go now. Not all the time, but usually right when she wakes up in the AM and after nap. I also pay attention to the cues she has to go....when she starts jumping around or going to another room, she usually needs to poop....so I take her to the potty. She did go through a phase where she didn't want to go no matter what, but I waited a couple days and started again from scratch. I don't push her too much, but she's not even 3 yet. At 5, I would have to use disciplinary tactics if he was throwing a tantrum or not listening to me. If he isn't, then just simply take charge and tell him he will be going to the potty and keep taking him. It's more a matter of our patience and persistence than their willingness, I've found.

Pamela - posted on 08/14/2012

First of all why hasn't this child been potty trained between 1 to 2 years of age when that usually occurs for those who want the best for their children?



Consider any 5 year old habit that someone allows to go on....smoking, drinking, etc. Not so easy to correct a habit that has become ingrained,. My question to you is why have you been buying disposable diapers and clogging Mother Earth with them for 5 years? Because if you had been using cloth diapers, your child would have already been potty trained.



Where have you been? I am AMAZED!!! All I can do is say a prayer for your child because HE is the one who will now suffer from YOUR lack of responsibility 3 to 4 years ago!!!



God bless you both! Lord, please have mercy on this female and her child.

Jade - posted on 08/14/2012

Don't buy nappies. I did this with my 4.5 year old and he never had an accident. he had been a kid who couldn't care less if he was wet/dirty.

Mylene - posted on 08/14/2012

that was my problem few months ago until I tried downloading potty training application for my IPad and whoola! Few weeks after my daughter is potty trained! she loved the idea of getting stickers & stars plus being able to play games abt potty training after successful potty. there is also a bedtime story and I read that to her every night til she gets the idea of being a big girl who needs to wear underpants lol. see if it will work for u too! I was ready to give up n just let time takes its course but I found the said apps n it worked!

Michelle - posted on 08/14/2012

First I would take away the diapers. It would have been a good idea to do it at the beginning of summer so that you had time before school started. Now you have added pressure on you and him to get it done.
Second, you may consider an appointment with his doctor. There may be a physical issue (inability to hold it, or lack of feeling the need to go) and is shrugging it off as no desire, to avoid the stress of not understanding why he is having an issue.
I cant imagine a child at that age not potty trained unless there is a mental/physical issue. I hope your doctor can help you.

Amellia - posted on 08/14/2012

Sounds simple but simply don't buy nappies!!!At that age he knows what to do and from what your describing is not upset or scared is simply exerting his control!!!

Make a decision tell him on Monday here is whats gonna happen. Ride it out no matter what he does and DO not back down!!!

Happy toileting!!!

Julia - posted on 08/14/2012

Buy a potty watch and put on his wrist. Set it for 90 minutes and every time it goes off, make him go to the potty. Whether he actually goes or not at first, still get him to sit there for a few minutes. When it goes off again, make him go to the potty again. Do that every time it goes off. I bought one of these for my 4 year old DD who had not shown signs of wanting or needing to go no matter what we tried. In two weeks after we started using the potty watch, she was fully potty trained and has never wet in her pants or in her bed at all. She loved having her own watch just like her older sister and loved that it was her favorite color, pink. They come in a lot of different colors. Go to http://www.pottytimeinc.com/ and check them out. They are very easy to use. Your son might just need to learn how to remember when to go. You might have to let his teachers know about it so they can let him go when the watch goes off if it's not going to be too much trouble for them, which it really shouldn't be if he's still not going by the time he starts. It probably won't take him very long to get the hang of it. I found a good deal for the one I got for my daughter on ebay. Good luck.

Terri - posted on 08/14/2012

My step-son didn't potty train until he was almost 5. Partly because his bio-mom caused a lot of trauma in his early years, though. Once his dad and I got him though he still didn't want to use the toilet. He might pee in the toilet IF he thought about it, but he absolutely REFUSED to poop in the toilet! I tried pull-ups, but he just liked to watch the picture disappear when it got wet! Eventually, the summer before kindergarten I did take away his pull-ups. I told him he had to wear big boy underwear because I couldn't afford to keep buying him pull-ups. He did wet himself a few times and he did poop in them a few times. Underwear was a lot more uncomfortable for him though because it didn't "support the poop" like pull-ups. He cried and threw a few fits, but he finally got the message and potty trained! I was SO relieved! I wish I had tried it a few months earlier than I did!

DeAnna - posted on 08/14/2012

I told my son that the store refused to sell me diapers or pullups. The said he was too big ... oops big boy underwear it was ..one accident 2 days later viola...

Jennifer - posted on 08/14/2012

I had same issue with my middle daughter, put regular under pants on him with those plastic covers and he will learn real quick. My daughter hated those, the noise they made when she walked and how hot they got. Also make him clean up his own mess, with you there with him, watching but not helping. He will not like sitting in hot soggy pants and stop and use the toilet! Try this after about a few days or so he will change his mind. Also make him sit on potty every 20 mins. This worked for my daughter hope this helps!

Carmen - posted on 08/14/2012

My son was over 3 and I just simply told him (daily) that the box of diapers we had were it...I was not buying anymore and he would then HAVE to start using the potty when there were no more diapers. This went on for a few weeks. When the diapers were gone, that was it and he was going on the potty. When he was trained, he got a little prize, and my mom gave him a special "Lightening McQueen blanket" that he still talks about "when he went potty on the potty"...Also, his twin sister had already potty trained but, he was never intersted. Hang in there...it will get better! You need to take away the diapers though...what does his doctor say?

Karen - posted on 08/13/2012

@Sharon - is your son going through a growth spurt and/or not getting enough sleep? My DD had occasional nighttime accidents until she was 6 and it always coincided with a very busy schedule and/or a growth spurt. Turns out she was sleeping so soundly that she couldn't wake up to realize that she needed to go. It could be coinincidence with the move (or not). I know that my child needed a nap until she was almost 7 (daily, then weekly) because otherwise she'd get so wiped out by the end of the week because she was so busy with school and other activities. The nap seemed to help the situatino. Sometimes I think we forget they are still little people and we can't drag them around so many places, they get too tired. Maybe he just needs some more sleep?

Terri - posted on 08/13/2012

Marisol, I am sorry that you are having a hard time potty training your son. I have had a hard time training my kids and I know what it's like. I was encouraged when I read that 40% of boys don't potty train until after their 4th birthday. So, you are not alone. I agree that getting rid of the diapers and pull-ups can help a lot. I also know that when you do that it can lead to a lot of undies to wash, carpets to clean, and embarrassing situations in public, but it is worth it. I also agree that talking to your doctor about it is a good idea. We went completely diaper free 2 months before my youngest son's 3rd birthday. I thought it would take a week or 2 for him to "get it." 6 months later he was still having daily accidents. We had to put him back in pull-ups at co-op so the volunteer workers wouldn't have to change poopy undies. For a while we put him back in pull-ups at home too. But, a friend gave us a doll that pees and a chart with pictures of all of the steps they need to take when they go: "take off pants, sit down, go potty, wipe, pull up pants, wash hands." He was really excited about the doll, the chart, and some new cool undies we got for him and he went back to only undies. He still has pee accidents but he seems to have gotten past the poop accidents and I've been able to keep him dry in public by taking him potty every hour or so. Since your son isn't even 5 yet it might be a good idea to put off starting Kindergarten if you can so he can have more time to master potty training. But, be encouraged, this too shall pass.

Laura - posted on 08/13/2012

KC, I think you are right on...my only change would be not to ask him if he has to go to the bathroom, just lead him in there, say "let's go potty before we go back to bed" ..just to create the new routine...then lead him back to bed. Kids love flashlights, so if he can keep one next to his bed "just in case" is a great idea and it will give him control over the dark. Loving reinforcement of safety in the new house. And maybe let the dog sleep in his room (if you have one, of course)

KC - posted on 08/13/2012

He is probably afraid to go to the bathroom by himself at night. Newer house, new shadows. Its understandable. If need be, provide a lot of night lights along his path, give him a flashlight-and buy extra batteries. Or they have something a cross between firefly lights and tap lights that you tap a button and they turn on-they just plug into an outlet. Do reassure him that it is normal to be afraid of the dark-but your home is safe and nothing is going to happen. When he sneaks into your room, ask if he needs to use the bathroom and lead him there than back to his room. My son was and still is afraid of the dark at 8 years old. As a treat every once in a while he is allowed to camp out on our bedroom floor. But be strong, it hurts to see our kids be afraid but be consistent...most of the time.

Karen - posted on 08/13/2012

Out of all due respect, that was a little harsh. Have you ever taken toys, diapers, pull-ups...everything away and even that didn't work? Boys tend to be later with potty training than girls. When it comes to potty training I think moms think the younger they train their child, they have a right to be harsh on others. We are not here to nasty to Marisol, but to encourage her. No one has ever received a "medal of honor" for potty training their child early...

Amber - posted on 08/13/2012

okay first a child should be potty trained by the age of 4 if not then there is a problem!! you need to not let that child dictate if he uses the bathroom or a diaper.. you need to be a parent, take away the diapers, delay sending the child to school, talk to your doctor if there is developmental issues, do not use pull-ups they are just as bad as diapers, take away privileges, and step up and get that child potty trained!! you should have done this at age 2 or 3 at the latest!!!

Sharon - posted on 08/13/2012

Does anyone have any suggestions for night time problems? My son just turned 5 in June and has been fully potty trained during the day for years and was at night too. Then we moved about a year ago and he started wetting the bed every night. He has an occasional dry night but more often he is wet. He has a lot of bad dreams and also will not spend a whole night alone in his bed. He will start out there but ends up in our bed in the early morning hours. I am afraid that our move (or maybe even something else) may have caused some insecurities that he has not gotten over.

Kristina - posted on 08/13/2012

I would consider waiting another year before letting him start kindergarten sounds like he is not ready yet. I would also take away the Pull-ups during the day he may not fully realize what is going on, also talk to his pediatrician for some ideas and to rule out any underlying conditions. Good Luck

Cherish - posted on 08/13/2012

Some of the other moms have very good ideas,like taking away the diapers and using rewards...
Some of you are being WAY to critical...
Does he have any developmental delays?
Have you asked the Dr about it?
While most kids are potty trained at 5,some are not and it is not always b/c they are being "manipulative"...
He may not be able to "tell" he needs to use the toilet.It could be a sensory issue or there could be a medical issue you do not know about.
I would talk to the school where he is starting kindergarten,they may be able to tell you if he is delayed.
It might also help to talk to his Dr about it...

KC - posted on 08/13/2012

Tell your KINDERGARTENER that he has to use the toilet. Sorry mom, but why are you letting a 5 year old make the decision on when he will be potty trained? Just do it.

Brittany - posted on 08/13/2012

These are all great tips. I have a almost 4 ye old and he's not potty trained yet. It is difficult if you work full-time. Ladies you should be encouraging her not discriminating her. I just want to say that you shouldnt have to change a 5 year old. even my niece w/ autism is trained. What really helped her was Elmo's potty book. Good luck and I m in the same boat.

Kelly - posted on 08/12/2012

I hate to say it, but make him use the toilet. He is aware of his body at this age and knows what he should do, he just likes being in control I think. If I were you, I'd throw away the pull ups *maybe keep some for the nights only* and say, "Okay, today you're officially a big boy." And give him the only option...to use the toilet. If he soils himself, you should make him help clean it up. If he keeps doing it, I'd let him go bottomless (and tell him he can't go outside or out of the house b/c he needs undies and pants to do it). I'd really just cut a kid of this age cold turkey. He will catch on very quickly.
If that's not your style, however, I suggest you making him only put pull ups on when he has to go to the bathroom...in the bathroom. Have him go to the bathroom, take off his undies and shorts, put pull ups on, and sit on the toilet while he goes. It sounds annoying, but this is how (in diapers) I got my 3 year old to finally poop on the toilet. Eventually he'll go and sit on the toilet and not realize the pull up isn't on and he'll go.
Don't worry about him. He doesn't have to be interested, just don't give him the choice.
Good luck.

Maria - posted on 08/12/2012

I really enjoyed the answers from the other mom's, such good ideas. Another suggestion besides buying big boy underwear that he chooses and explaining everything that's happening to him ....you might try telling him that you have a new plan and that he's a big boy and now it's time to start going in the toilet. Show him his clean shirt, pants, socks, underwear in the bathroom and tell him that when he goes in his underpants he can undress, clean himself up and get dressed again. Just another option...it's worked for me and a few of my friends.

Bryanna - posted on 08/12/2012

My nephew was having potty training problems an his parents were taking him to a counselor or a therapist for it. If he's almost 5 he should be trained. Also, stop buying diapers. If he feels those are "taking care of it" then he'll have to figure out a different plan when there are no more.

Tracie - posted on 08/12/2012

I just potty trained my son who just turned 3 yesterday. I got a box and a few small toys like dollar tree animals and cars. I told him for everyday he stayed dry he got to pick a toy from the treasure box, but if he wet his pants he had to put one back. He has been dry for a week now so I am taking him to pick out his new big boy undies today. Like the other mom's said you just have to put your foot down and tell him he is a big boy starting school and that he needs to wear big boy undies now.

Genevieve - posted on 08/12/2012

Just wondering if he is ready for Kindergarten. I would consider holding him back another year. And talk to your doctor about the issue. I would have to say that it is NOT normal for him to be untrained. I get that some kids arent wiping themselves properly at that age. Or have accidents. Or even get busy playing on a regular basis and wet themselves. But that is more just aggravating than the simple fact of not using a toilet at all. Sounds like you either have to put your foot down on this immediately or wait another year till he is ready. He cannot go if he is not trained. And hoping it will just solve itself at school will not help either. No one wants thier kid to be the "smelly" kid at school. Even in kindergarten he will be teased.

Tiffany - posted on 08/12/2012

If there are no other delays then just take away the diapers during the day.

Caroline - posted on 08/12/2012

Take him out of the diapers only use underware

Karen - posted on 08/12/2012

Since your son is going to just turn 5, maybe he is not emotionally ready to start Kindergarten. I had just turned 5 when my mother started me and I struggled through the years learning. Both my kids started Kindergarten at age 6. Their birthdays are Sept and Nov so they had that extra year to grow up a little bit more.

My son was late potty training but by Kindergarten he was fully trained. I do empathize with you because it can be a "battle of the wills" . With some kids, the more you push them, the more they won't use the toilet. You can take every privilege away from them and they still won't go! Happy to say my kids are older now...these issues become the past and you look back and say, "Why was I an animal when it came to potty training?" So many IMPORTANT ISSUES come up through the years that really deserve your attention. This will pass, Marisol. Everybody thinks they're an expert at child rearing. You'll do what's right :)

Rhea - posted on 08/12/2012

They will not take him if he is not trained. Does he have special needs? It is not usual for even a stubborn 5 yr old to not be trained. Have you spoken to uour pediatrician about it? If not it is long overdue.

Emily - posted on 08/11/2012

My son was potty trained by the age of 3. My husband played a big role in his training, specifically my son saw how a boy is supposed to use the potty. When my husband wasn't around I made it a game (sort of); I would throw a cheerio into the toilet and tell my son to aim at it, he finding it funny did what I asked. I agree with a lot of the other moms when they say that you need to just put him in underware and let him find out how uncomfortable it really is to not use the toilet. Have him go to the store with you and pick them out himself, he might be more inclined to wear them and try using the potty.

Kylene - posted on 08/11/2012

Uh not trying to sound rude but how is it your 5 year old is NOT potty trained I do understand thou if he is special needs but other then that I dont. I say its time to put your foot down, do NOT buy diapers anymore, put him in undies and MAKE him potty, take him every hour have him sit on the toilet for 5 mins if he goes potty give him LOTS of postive praise, when he goes in his diaper tell him big boys dont go pee or poop in their pants they go in the potty and STICK TO IT.

Elendemhinlin - posted on 08/09/2012

This is really amazing.i have a son that will soon be 5yrs and a daughter of 2.7yrs both of them use the toliet anytime they are press and they don't bedwet at night.the responsibility is on you.u have to decide and not him.i wish you best of luck

Karen - posted on 08/07/2012

That's actually one of the things that I read / complaints is that Pampers/Pullups are so absorbent that kids don't notice that they're wet, therefore they have no incentive to use the toilet because they are not uncomfortable. It does cause issues in some cases. It sounds like you need to go cold turkey and ditch the Pampers. Hopefully your son will care that he is wet and will start to use the toilet. You also need to set a potty schedule, see if there is a basic interval of time that he lasts between going to the bathroom, then put him on the toilet just before then and have him stay until he goes. Stock up on books for him to read but don't let him get up until he is successful. Maybe then he'll connect what he is feeling with actually doing the deed. This decsion is now yours, not his. It also might be worth paying a visit to the Dr. It could be that he just doesn't feel the sensations that he needs to go so he doesn't make the connection needed. Hopefully going at regular intervals will help him make the connection.

Laura - posted on 08/07/2012

Sharon, you have the perfect example of manipulative behavior. Your son doesn't consciously know that's what he's doing, but he doesn't have the emotional investment in school that he has with you so will do whatever he can to maintain your constant attention, positive or negative.

If you have a few days uninterrupted at home (no school, work, planned company or other plans, etc) spend those days with him in regular underwear. Have the conversation that he is now simply too old for diapers/pull-ups/nappies and that we will be spending the next 2 days getting him to use the toilet. Don't allow any drama and don't buy into the drama he tries to present....plan to do extra laundry. Be as matter of fact as you can about the entire process, keep your voice gentle and loving yet very firm; he needs to know you mean business and not maybe....and that you are not asking his permission to do this.

Sharon - posted on 08/07/2012

My son is the same ,he as just turned 4 and he is still in pullups ,he screams when I put him on the toilet ,I've tried everything ,yet wen he is at school he will sit on there toilet

Sharon - posted on 08/07/2012

My son is the same ,he as just turned 4 and he is still in pullups ,he screams when I put him on the toilet ,I've tried everything ,yet wen he is at school he will sit on there toilet

Dove - posted on 08/07/2012

I do agree to a point. Almost 5 is way too old to start potty training unless there are issues... I have a friend who's son is almost 6 and he didn't start potty training til 5.5 BECAUSE of his developmental issues.

However, I would like to say that I'm one of 'those' parents who let her son 100% potty train himself. He's been potty trained day and night since 2.75 years and had only had a dozen or so minor daytime accidents and one wet bed.... in over a year and half. It CAN work for some kids/families. :)