potty trouble

Crista - posted on 05/17/2009

i have been running the 2yr old room at our daycare for about 4 years now and one of our goals is to potty the children as they are ready. they can't move to the 3's until they are going potty well. When i first began i thought every child could and should be done by the time they were about 21/2. Both of my girls started early and were done by the time they were 2. But from alot more experience i can now tell you that every child really is different and there is no magical age. Most children are ready for sure by 3 and i have found that while a child may be able to do it earlier, sometimes it is much easier and smoother to wait until closer to 3 or even a little after. My only real comment is that no matter when you try to potty train, it hardly ever is easy breezy. Most of the children i have seen have alot of accidents (pee pee and bm) and there is alot of washing to do at first. Consistancy is the key, not to give in or give up. Be firm about them being a big boy now and not needing diapers. Read them books about it, let them see you do it and try to make it fun. My son got stickers (one for pee pee 2 for bm) and he loved it! At our center we absolutly do not use pull ups during the day! One, teachers can't tell if there is an accident but also we have found it seems to slow the process for most children. i would suggest straight to underwear. Show him the wet clothes, talk about how it feels and then change him to dry ones. begin taking him every 20 min or so and gradually make the time longer and longer if he is holding it. Reward and Praise every time he is successful but try not to scold or punish for accidents. it's frusterating and it may seem like he will never get it! But he will, just be patient. and stick to it. I know this is getting long...but a couple more things: As they get older into the 3's we find that many times it becomes a power struggle at home. Just like anything else, if they think you will give in, they will refuse to cooperate! Alot of our parents get upset that they have no accidents all day and then refuse to go on the potty at home. Most of the time we find the parent is switching back and forth btwn undies and diaper when it is convenient for them. BE CONSISTANT. Also for boys, we throw cheerios in the water to help them aim! it's like a game! Sorry this comment is so long! I just know how hard it can be sometimes. Don't get discouraged if it takes longer than you thought. Your child is unique and will progress if you are patient and consistant.

Leanne - posted on 05/17/2009

they will come out of nappies when they are ready just keep trying he might have a few accident i did with my little girl shes 3 and i just leftg the potty laying about and one day she said to me she wanted a we and evey since then she been going in the toilet but she wont go on the potty coz it scares her try leaving him without any trousers and pants on and he might just go on his own

Andrea - posted on 05/17/2009

its really hard work and takes commitment and lots of deep breaths but i did the gina ford potty training in seven days and managed to get my son done who is nearly three had had a baby three months previous when started and it was a nightmare but never looked back now dry day and night good luck x