Potty Training Help

[Andres]

My son's still a bit too young, but my wife babysits my nephew and niece three days a week. My nephew is 2 1/2 and his parents plus us are trying to get this kid potty trained but it's not going so well. Does anyone here on the board have any tips? What worked for you guys? Any links to helpful articles and/or books would also be appreciated.

Our problem is this: I've tried to where I take him in the bathroom every 20 minutes or so, but every time he just says he doesn't have to go. Then when I go to take him the next time around, I find his diaper full of pee. I'm not sure he knows how to sense when he has to go. Also I tried bribing him with stuff, but he actually told me the last time, "uh, that's okay, I don't really want stickers". lol

 

[Backwoods Presbyterian]

Every kid is different, but I'll tell what we did with the two of my kids. who are trained With the older one we just let her run around the house naked from the waist down and put potties in two places in our apartment. She was potty-trained in a couple of days. With the middle one it almost just worked naturally just by watching her sister go to the bathroom. Also we quit buying her diapers and had her wear big-girl panties and it took a couple of days of being wet (#2 was not a problem when we did this) and uncomfortable for her to get the message.

 

[Dwimble]

Sounds like you might have answered your own question...he might not be quite ready yet. Here's part an article on WebMD that I think is pretty good. Our first daughter wasn't ready to start until she was about 3 years old, and then it went FAST. Almost instantly. She virtually trained herself, deciding one day that she wanted to go on the potty and almost never went in her diaper again...even at night. It was kind of strange. Our second daughter is now 33 months and is at the beginning of training, and it is already clear to us that it will take much longer for her. Every kid is different.

Toilet Training - Topic Overview

When should I start toilet training my child?
Your child must be both physically and emotionally ready for toilet training. Most children are ready when they are between 22 and 30 months of age, although every child is different. Toilet training usually becomes a long and frustrating process if you try to start it before your child is ready.

Before children can use the toilet, they must be able to control their bowel and bladder muscles. Some signs of this control are having bowel movements around the same time each day, not having bowel movements at night, and having a dry diaper after a nap or for at least 2 hours at a time. Children must also be able to climb, talk, remove clothing, and have mastered other basic motor skills before they can use the toilet by themselves.

Most children are physically ready to toilet train before they are emotionally ready. Your child must want to use the toilet and be willing to cooperate with you. He or she may even talk about being a "big boy" or "big girl" and wearing underpants rather than diapers. Training generally does not go well if your child is in the stage where "no" is his or her automatic response to every request.

How long does it take to toilet train?
A child is considered toilet-trained when he or she knows that it is time to go to the bathroom and is able to climb onto and use the toilet with little help. In a study of children who started training between 22 and 30 months of age, boys were fully trained at an average age of 38 months, while girls were trained slightly earlier, around 36 months.1

Your child will likely need help with wiping after a bowel movement until age 4 or 5. He or she may also need extra help in unfamiliar bathrooms, such as public restrooms, until about age 5 or 6.

What if my child resists?

If your child resists using the toilet, he or she probably isn't ready. Sometimes toilet training disruptions or delays are caused by stress or major changes in routine. Also, a child who is doing well with toilet training may suddenly have difficulty for no obvious reason. This is a normal part of toilet training. It is best to start or resume toilet training when your child is receptive to it and in a stable environment.

Your child's toilet training experience should be positive. If it becomes a struggle or a battle of wills, it is best to ease up or stop for a while. Although you may be ready for toilet training, your child may not be.

 

[Bethel]

My boys didn't potty train until they were 3; I definitely tried when they were younger (especially when I had 2 in diapers at the same time), but it really didn't work until they were about 3 years old. It sounds like your nephew may be too young.

 

[Galatians220]

with the above two replies. I wouldn't worry about a boy until after he turns 3, or force the issue with him, either. This guy sounds like he's just not ready.

 

[Scottish Lass]

The stuff I've read often says girls often start around 2.5 but that boys are often later--3 to 3.5. Gracie's been interested since about 18 months, and we've had a few successes, but it's pretty random so far at 26 months.

 

[Tripel]

We tried with our son at 2.5, and it was a complete failure. We waited a few months, tried again, and he got it quickly.

As others have said, they're ready when they're ready.