3 Yo Potty Training

I think that the key element is to "stay positive". Potty training with my son was a very long and difficult process, until I realized the more positive I was about the entire thing the better he got at it. At 3 years old he has little control over much of his life and "potty control" is one thing that only he can control. Children do view their #2 as an extension of their body and for some kids it is not easy to let go. I think he needs to be comfortable. The previous poster who suggested that he stand in the bathroom or sit on the potty with the pull up on was a great idea. It gets the child comfortable with being in the bathroom to do the #2. He will get there, it is a control issue some what, just stay positive and it will happen.

Good Luck

My son (now 5) spent 6 months asking for a diaper for #2. We just kept talking to him about it and finally one day he said.. "ok, i will use the potty" Don't stress, it will happen. Keep working at it and be positive.

Have you got the book "Once Upon A Potty"? (boy version) Something about that book really helped to "click" potty training in my son's brain. I think they all get the pee part before the poopie part so don't worry, he'll get it.

I know a lot of kids who need to use a pull up for #2...it's really normal. I had a friend whose daughter would ask for it herself, go into a corner, do her thing, and then ask to be changed back into underwear. Why don't you let him use the pull up but try encouraging him to just "sit" on the potty with the pull up on? Eventually he'll get used to sitting (maybe standing is more comfortable for him?) and you'll be able to get rid of the pull up. I think it can be scary for a kid to "let go" like that- it's almost like giving up a part of their body so it's hard for them. The worst thing you can do is to make him go in the potty because he will probably with-hold, which can cause constipation, which will cause him pain, which will make him with-hold more...causing a very bad cycle. He'll get it eventually! Good luck!