2 1/2 Year Old and Potty Training!

I am going through the same thing with my son (same age). My husband and I set him on the potty and say, "Let us know when you're all done." Then we leave (stay within ear shot) and let him do his thing. This frees us up from hanging out in the bathroom all the time and it gives him some independence. He also doesn't want to be in there as long if he's by himself. It's a win win for us all. Then we ask him if he went potty and when he says yes, we celebrate. Good luck.

Sounds like this new accomplishment he has made is very fun for him. I know it must be a pain for you to take him to the potty all day....rest assured he will grow out of it:)
You are right to not want to take the fun out of it and tell him no. That will just squish his independence and sense of pride. Just go with the flow, and at the times when you really don't have the time to take him or be in there so long maybe play a game with him that will encourage him to go to the potty by himself eventually. That way you won't have to go with him every time:) But keep in mind that it can take a while too. My youngest is 3 and has been using the potty for only one month, and is just now wanting to go by herself. It's ok. It will pass quickly.

Good luck and happy potty Learning!

A.
mom of 4, birth and parenting mentor
www.birthingfromwithin.com

We are working on potty training with our daughter (also 2 1/2) and she does the exact same thing. Worse yet, when we give her rewards (M&M's) she gets on the potty goes a little, gets her reward, and then seconds later gets on and goes a little more - over and over again. I also don't want to discourage her or decrease her interest by limiting how often she is on the pot. What I try to do is distract her from repeat performances by suggesting a favorite activity - playdough, painting, bubbles, etc.

I didn't have any issue like that but I'm thinking that maybe if you let him do that once more or twice and then distract him with a fun activity afterwards. Maybe say "We are going to go potty and then we are going to watch a movie..." or whatever. It seems like he will get used to it and it won't be new or fun anymore to go over and over again. Or do you think maybe he really has to go again? If that is the case it might be because he is drinking more or having bladder problems? You'd probably know if that's the problem because he won't be happy, he would be miserable. Good luck!

I guess this is where patience is required! Just remind yourself that each time he goes a little bit more, he is streghtening the muscles that help control, therefore less accidents when out and about! That being said, the new will eventually wear off for him, and you can get back to your more normal schedule of events. If it is just driving you crazy, maybe try putting a reward out in the kitchen that you have to go get for after the potty, i.e. stickers, a chart on the fridge, a snack, bubbles, etc. That way he might be excited to leave the bathroom. Good luck!

Hi T.-
We all should have your problem- he'll grow out of it. Betcha he doesn't do it away from home, so try to do something entertaining every day that's not in the house. Don't let the TV babysit him :-)
Hope this helps-
S.

It's really just a phase, T.. He'll soon go on to wanting to do something else. My son went through a phase where he wanted to take baths all day! He was the cleanest boy in town for a week or so! I just let him because a) there was no harm in it; b) he was having fun doing something healthy; and c) I knew it would pass anyway. Just relax and enjoy your little one!

J.

I've heard of this from other moms. I'd be hesitant to discourage him...he's so pleased with the whole thing. My daughter is 2, and trained...and we check out every bathroom in town in every place we go, it seems. She just does a little each place. It's like she's got some better mental map of the world through this.
If you have more kids..you might want to check out the book, Diaper Free (also a website.) I used it with my daughter...it is not an all-or-nothing approach (don't get turned off by the name) Future toilet training could be easier for you and your kids.

Maybe your child remembers all of the wonderful praise and encouragement. maybe find something else that will give the same praise and encouragement to divert the attention elsewhere. It is possible that your child is hoping that praise comes back. ;)

A boy who wants to sit on the potty and actually goes at 2 1/2? Hallelujah!!!! Go with it girl. He's doing his thing the way he's supposed to.

I am really interested in what kinds of responses you get! Potty training can be tough. IS there any chance he is constipated and can't get it done in one visit? My daughter and son have both been prone to holding off going to the bathroom, and my strategy has been to make everything work a little better with a high fiber diet. Metamucil makes a cracker that tastes pretty good, and our pediatrician suggested those when my daughter was about 2 1/2. Lots of fluids are key too. I hope this helps! Hang in there! They do it when they are ready, not before.

i agree with the other moms about letting him go to the potty whenever he wants, i started training my son at 18months old, and since he turned 2 he wants to sit on the potty all the time!! but it beats changing diapers right!

I just would not do anything that might discourage him. He will tire of it eventually, so hang in there with him. Some kids dont want to take time to sit on it at all; your problem is such a better one! :) Rejoice!