How To Potty Train A Stubborn Child?

Jess - posted on 02/28/2010

omg thank u all of u! u all had great stuff to try.. Tonight is nathans first night in a big boy bed.. i let him choose between the crib and the bed.. And when he chose the bed i told him he had to stay in bed like a good boy or he was goin to have to go back into the crib.. he tried to come out once so far.. i hear him playin but im not goin to fight him on it atleast hes in his bed.. One step forward hopefully! I'm goin to give him more time on the potty and just focus on him adapting to the bed for now.. I'm hopin he will just choose the potty on his own too like everything else. Again Thank u so much fellow moms! THANK U!

Anne - posted on 02/27/2010

My daughter is pretty stubborn...any time we tell her she can't do something then she tries really hard to show us she can. Maybe a little reverse psychology will work on your little one. Something like "I guess since you're not 3 you can't go potty. Too bad." and leave it at that. No pressure, no suggestions, no rewards. He may decide to use the potty just because you said he couldn't!

Marisa - posted on 02/25/2010

I agree with Gail Lawson, leave him wet and he will soon not like it... also as she said, has he seen people use the loo? Take him with you when you go, put up a chart and maybe stickers, something to entice and entertain him while he's in there. Maybe get your partner or other trusted male to show him how it's done - a pee song or something like that so he thinks that its fun. Also a ping-pong ball in the loo can help as it gives boys something to aim for although I'm sure at this stage you're just wanting him to sit! Unfortunately all kids do things in their own time and I wouldn't be too worried about it at this stage.
Maybe the bed idea would be good - it's a part of him growing up into a big boy and big boys use a potty...?? Hope you get some resolution.

Tania - posted on 02/25/2010

Just be patient with him Jess. My son was 3 when he eventually stopped wearing pull-ups. Each child accomplishes their milestones at different paces. Give him choices, he'll make the decision when he's ready. I would suggest taking him out of the crib and making a big deal of his new "big-boy" bed. All the best.

Gail - posted on 02/24/2010

I know its hard but try and be patient with your son, I do agree with leaving him wet for awhile, eventually he won't like it. Also I wonder if he has seen other boys or men use the restroom, this may help.

Sharon - posted on 02/22/2010

Each child is so different when it comes to every milestone. While many people you talk to may say their child was between 2 - 3 years old, some could be 4. Have you spoken to the pediatrician about this?? Some doctors and nurses have great ideas since they have spoken to hundreds of families over the years. Does your son attend daycare? My son was going to a wonderful head start program and we communicated about if he seemed ready and how to be on the same page with the approach. That is a great resource to be in sink with. As far as the bed situation, your son needs that soon but it does not need to be linked with potty training. He may get confused as to why he has a bed, since he will be too big for a crib any day. Good luck.

Desirae - posted on 02/20/2010

I started potty training when I put my daughter in a toddler bed. As soon as she started staying dry through the night... I took the diapers away during the day and she hated the underwear because.... "You can feel the pee mommy!" She said. "Then pee in the toilet honey." Was my response. Except for the usual 'accidents' ... it worked.

Cassie - posted on 02/19/2010

my son just turned 3 and still is not potty trained, so i understand. my son just shuts the door and says no potty. i wish you luck and if you find anything that works let me know.

Katy - posted on 02/19/2010

My only suggestion is patience. It will happen but on his time sadly not yours. My daughter was very similar. I talked to her doctor about it and he told me not to push it that should would eventuallt do it. I was very skeptical and it felt like forever (sometime between 3 and 4) but one day she woke up and decide she was a big girl and no more diapers. It worked without one accident even during the night. I honestly do beliieve this is effective especially for the strong willed. Also, I am amazed your son stays in his crib still! I think it is probably best to wait until you move him into a big bed too. Thats another reason it may be best to wait. Hope this helped atleast a little!