HOW Do I Start Potty Training?

my Son was very strong willed but at age 3 he just got tired. I tried potty training him at 1,2, and finally just gave up. I thought my child was forever going to be in diapers. I found this idea in the parent magazine and let me tell you it worked wonders. put a large piece of paper (like the kind teachers make bullitin boards with) draw a train with 5 or 6 cars and in each car make 12 spots. ( the cars are how many days you want him trained in the 12 spots are how many times he goes in a day) Each time he successfully went pee he got to put a little sticker in the car, each time he did poops he got to put a big sticker (now this is successfull times- not in the diaper) each time a car was filled up we went to the dollar store to pick out a toy. within 3 days my child was potty trained. he told me he had to go of corse all day long, but just be patient. Also, my mom gave me advice on keeping it fun but discrete, even when you are out make sure you have a piece of paper and stickers. Also, put cheerios in the toilet (this is great aiming practice, and it makes it fun) Tell him while he is going to sink the cheerios. every day you can also reward him at the end of the day for a (dry day-no accidents) with a piece of candy. Try this it worked for me. jackie

My son is still a bit too young, but I am the oldest of 8 kids and had 5 brothers. My mom said putting cheerios in the toilet and letting the boy make a game of trying to shoot the "target" was one of the best things that worked for her. I plan on trying it with my son when he gets a bit older.

Hi Crystal,
I'm going through something similar with my youngest. Boys are a bit more difficult than girls when it comes to training. I've learned with three boys that forcing them to sit on the potty only backfires on you! They will go when ready, but encouragement from you is key. Try to get him to sit on the potty, but if he says no, try again in a little while. Take the pressure off of both of you. Some days my little guy will go 5 or more times, other days he looks at me like I've sprouted horns. As for the pullups, we have the ones that get cold and it doesn't really seem to affect him. If they get cold, he doesn't care. Even though I buy them, I don't quite get the whole pullups thing because they really are just diapers!! Good luck!

Hi Crystal,

Our kids are the same age... I had the same problem with my 33 mth old and i tried everything in the book!!!He started daycare recently and now when he comes home he goes to the potty and sits for a few minutes and comes off. nothing comes out as yet but I am happy as he began doing this on his own.!!! I had tried for months to get him intested but to no avail. Anyways, my point is that in my experience kids only go on the potty when they are ready. Prior to him making this huge leap, he would come to me and pull my hand whenever he went in the pampers so I am happy with the baby steps.
PS he is also delayed in speech so I no longer make a big fuss.
hope this helps.

Hi my name is L. I am a mother of 3. 8, 7 and 4 months.
You need to let you son be uncomfortable. Let him see that being wet or to have poop in your pants is not plesant. I don't mean let him sit in it for hours but 20 mins or so. Don't make it a big issue, since you have other kids this is constant attention just for him. Don't reward with candy but just praise clap and smile get your husband in the bathroom and clap. (sounds corny but it works)When he wakes up straight to the potty, 2 hours later potty after he eats potty before he goes to bed potty. Be persistant and even if he doesn't have to go sit him on the potty with a book until he goes even if its just a little bit, then clap :) Hope this helps, L.
PS my daughter didnt talk for awhile either, now you can't shut her up :)