Diapers Q&A

Any creative suggestions and ideas for Potty Training my 4 year old son?

I have had some difficulty potty training my son who is now 4 years old. I have attempted potty training him many times over the past year or so but it has never been successful. He is eager to start pre-school and they prefer children to be trained before starting. I have used this to get him more motivated to use the toilet. It seems to be working well... He has become very independent when it comes to changing his diaper. So I let the diapers run out last week and just jumped into it. He is doing well with it, after a little hesitation he seems to be getting the hang of it. I feel that things are getting better each day. I was curious to get some advice to keep him going in the right direction. Also, what do you suggest when going out for errands, to the park, etc. We have a few day trips coming up in the next few weeks and I would like to make them as smooth as possible. I am also a little concerned about preschool but I know they deal with this on a daily basis. First of all, Sweet & Salty, you are a complete moron! Where do get off writing such a thing, do you even know anything about parenting, obviously not so please get lost with your negativity and rudeness! Update: My son is now fully potty-trained! I appreciate the ideas I have received on here for taking him out through the process. I think that he just wanted to wait until he was fully ready and he is doing great!

Public Comments

1. try placing Cheerios in the toilet and having him "dunk the Cheerios" by wee-weeing on them. Ive been told making it a game works well.
2. all kinds of tips / suggestions at web site .. patience and good luck
3. Well with my cousin we asked him if he had to go ( I work at a daycare) and he said no but we just sat him on the toilet and ran water in the sink, and wen they go give em a prize or a sticker or a hug they really like the attention you give them wen they do good. Good Luck! ♥Alexa♥
4. Anytime you are out, search for the places with "family" restrooms. My son really became independent when using the lower sinks, child-sized potty, mirrors at their height. I always kept 2 pull-ups on hand just in case we were not close to a restroom. In a pinch, it's nice to have them as a temporary fix, to avoid the hassle and embarrassment over an accident. Clothes need t/b easy to remove, no belt buckles or complicated snaps. You can avoid accidents by using elastic pants, or Velcro fly shorts, etc. He will become more independent and won't have anxiety over asking "to go". I allowed plenty of time, let him sit on the potty while I stood outside the stall and told him stories or sang to him. He appreciated the privacy and the other parents that see that little pair of feet dangling under the stall door would always smile and give me a knowing "nod." You are past the most difficult stage - getting him to go on his own. The building confidence stage is a little less work. Good luck to you and with his start to pre-school ~
5. you might try giving him a little award every day that he goes without wetting his pants....but if he hasnt started going a whole day without wetting his pants, try half a day..an then give him a little award, like a small piece of candy....or something you think he would like to do. Hope this helps.
6. It sounds to me like your son is already well progressed, and almost there! I would not pressure him too much. He should be old enough now to know how to use the potty. Constant reminding can lead to resistance and regression. Let him have accidents - he will learn from these mistakes. Do not put him back in diapers - this will be a backward step. When going out, suggest to your son that he uses the potty, as it may be a while before he can go again. Regardless, take your potty, a plastic bag, toilet paper and a tub with you - if your son needs to go and you are in a park or on the road, or if he refuses to use public toilets at this stage, then he can still do his thing. Line the potty with the plastic bag, so that he pees or poos into the plastic bag. Collect the waste into the tub, and you are done! You should also take a change of clothing as well, in case he has an accident. Above all, remain positive and encouraging. Negativity will not help. Hope this helps!
7. That's don't make no dame sense. Your child four years old and still not potty train. You better take you child to the doctor and get him check out, or better yet you need to get checked out. I know what it is, you like buying pampers or your just not taking out no time with the child. Sorry, this is the most important time in the child's life. Not trying to put you down, just work a little hard. If the child watches alot of tv, that could be time the child could be sitting on the potty.