Hi there. My son is 3 years old and is in perfect health - but for some reason is scared to carry on with his potty training. He has 2 older brothers who he's watched on the toilet (so he can get the general idea). At one stage he was doing so well in fact I thought he would skip the potty totally and go straight to the toilet. But then he just refused point blank. Got him a reward chart but he is just not interested at all. Any suggestions?

Jill - posted on 02/12/2009

Hi Debbi,

Kids need to be truly "ready" on so many levels for potty training. (physical, emotional,cognitive)  There are signs of readiness.  My website has all of this information to help parents thru the process.  Go to www.pottytots.com.  The Potty Tots Potty Training Program was aslo designed to make potty training fun for kids and take the "power struggle" out of potty training.

I hope this helps!  Good Luck!

Jill

Amy - posted on 02/12/2009

For the Moms that have boys (ages 3 & Up)...at what time of night do you stop giving drinks? I think my son will stay dry, but he always wants a drink before bed. He's woken up dry before, but that's when I know he hasn't had much to drink. 

He refuses the potty, cries hysterically if I make him sit on it, and won't tell me when he's wet (except in the AM) He's going to be 4 in June, and I'm going NUTS!  He went on the potty once with help, and once on his own in the past 6 or 8 months we've been pushing the potty thing. Now it seems like he could care less. Any suggestions?

Jody - posted on 02/06/2009

A success story! I've been soooo frustrated with my 3 1/2 year old boy who seemed scared of the potty! We've been talking about pottying for months and I've tried everything!  Nothing worked! The last time I bought diapers, I was determined I wasn't buying anymore so I kept telling him that when these diapers are gone, I'm not buying anymore and you'll have to wear underwear. (I knew he could do it because he wakes up dry and will go without a diaper until he needs to go and then ask to put one on!) We used the last one and I was worried! I told him we didn't have anymore and he whined and complained, but we didn't have any in the house! I finally figured out that he wanted to do it on his own. If I asked if he needed to go potty, it was always, "No". But I would find him sitting on the toilet and when he'd see me, he'd say, "Go". I just decided to leave him a lone and this is the third day with no diapers and he's only had one potty accident. He even went poo all by himself. Thankfully, I found him in time to wipe him!

So good luck to all you moms! I feel your pain, but you know your kid won't be going to kindergarten in a diaper. Just relax and the time will come! :)

Kerrie - posted on 02/05/2009

my son turns 3 in june, i started him on the potty about 6 months ago he would sit on the potty but would never do anything i gave up for a little while as he would rather pee in his room, about a week ago i got him a wiggles seat that sits in the toilet and a wiggles stand so he can get on the toilet himself, and he loved it did a few wee's and number 2's but about 4 days ago he started using the potty and the potty only and he is doing really well if we are at home then he has undies on i still put a nappy on him if we go out, and at bed time but even in the hr before he goes to bed he takes his nappy off and goes to the potty..... i don't have any tips i just think that when they are ready you will kno

User - posted on 02/05/2009

Its so hard ... my niece is 5 months younger than my son and is fully dry throughout the day. I've tried everything I can think of even comparing him to say the Power Rangers (who dont wear any nappies because they are big boys and girls) as well as praise when he does it right. When he runs around without a nappy he is dry but as soon as he feels he needs to go he wants it back. So he has control in that way at least. I'm thinking its maybe a security thing. Also as he's the youngest (and the final one) maybe I tend to baby him more. Someone suggested ping pong balls in the toilet with faces on them so he can aim at them ... anyone tried that? Thanks for all the suggestions though I really appreciate it!

Janae - posted on 02/04/2009

I think the problem is we all need advice that's why we joined this Community. Is there anyone who joined to give advice for us struggling mom's?? I have 4 children and my 3 yr old son is my challenge. We've been potty training for 6 months now. AHHHH!!!!! He's dry at night and nap time and is on the majority potty trained peeing. pooing not so much.He will occasionally go poo in the potty. I'm getting sick of changing poopy underwear and doing laundry. I've done it all. Charts, treats, potty party with cake and pictures, punishments of cold showers, cleaning up himself, he gets praising from siblings and parents, I've even ignored wondering if it is a attention thing.. I'm at my witts end. I've pretty well given up, and bring a change of clothes everywhere I go.

Tabby - posted on 02/04/2009

the two year old i watch all the time, like her 2nd mom, is my baby cousin and she is determined not to go in the potty. she will tell me she has to potty and we rush and get all happy and take her to the potty we get in there and she laughs and says "i dont need to potty", or "i dont want to potty." i dont know what to do. last thursday (best day ever), i just got her out the bath and got her dressed all of that. 3 min latter she says, "i stinky" i could have died. i checked her she was not and then she tells me "i want to go on the potty." bring her she goes. we cheered and claped and gave her treats. the next day she is pottying in her diaper again. dont know what to do. girls are harder. should i let her go on her own time or what? help?!

Jennifer - posted on 02/03/2009

i have a 3 year old boy and a two year old girl and they are both not interested. my son will pee but not poo and my little girl will do neither. i know it may be early for my daughter but im getting sick of changing diapers!!! HELP!!

Tanya - posted on 02/03/2009

I have 4 kids, 3 boys and my youngest is a girl, she is turning three.....I heard that it was supposed to be easier with girls but it was not with her.  She refused to go on it, cried when I mentioned, would go after she got off the potty.  Anyway, I think that the youngest it takes longer, they want to stay the baby??  I stopped pushing and allowed her to do it at her pace and made a huge deal about it when she did finally go.  Made all the boys clap for her and she felt pretty proud....she barely had any accidents once she decided that she was going to do it.  I don't know if this helps but that's what I found with my youngest.....before she would refer to herself as the baby, now she only want to be called a big girl.

Tabby - posted on 02/03/2009

i was told that for boys you toss a few cherrios in the potty and tell him to aim for them. i here it works great. and soon you can go without them. can hurt anything, give it a try.

Emily - posted on 02/03/2009

What is funny is that I think most of the moms here are needing advice on potty training and waiting to hear the success stories.  I would love to hear the advice on your question-I have a 3-year old little girl refusing to use the potty.

Jody - posted on 02/03/2009

Anxiously awaiting some advice. I'm in the same boat!