Hi - My son is one month shy of 3 and has been potty trained for six months now with no problems. He was very easy to train and only had a couple of accidents in the first couple of weeks, and then none even overnight. But now, for the last 2 weeks or so, he has been wetting himself once or twice every couple of days. I'm not sure why all of a sudden he would start having this problem, especially when it hardly happened at all when he was first trained, and he had done so well for so long. If you have any suggestions, I'd appreciate it!
My son did the same thing, but after a couple of months it stopped. Put a waterproof pad under his sheet in the meantime. There's going to be a few accidents until he is completely used to the new way of going pee pee. Also try to avoid giving drinks a couple hours before bedtime (especially carbonated ones). Congratulations on the potty training, he is almost there.
First of all I'm old school where children were potty trained right after they were either walking or talking no later than 1 1/2 years. However, as children develop, there are times where bedwetting becomes an issue. Could it be that there are some issues, say for instance a change in behavior, missing something that he's comfortable with. I agree with the general consensus of limiting his liquids approximately 3 hours before he goes to bed. Comfort him and learn ways that he could advance so that whatever he's afraid of will go away. It is not that serious an issue at this point, children his age go through this, so definitely do not allow someone to take you through this guilt trip. It is not a psychoanalytical moment.
Any big changes in your son's life recently - new house, school, big boy bed , death or other emotionall situation in your family?Those usually are the first things to blame of course when you exclude any medical condition. As hard as it is try to keep cool, absolutely do not punish for that. Try to remind you son about going potty as often as possible, limit fluids before bed and make potty trip before going to bed at night. Make sure he knows that he is still learning and during that proces is ok to make mistakes. Rewarding dry nights is also very helpfull and motivating. GOOD LUCK!
There are several things that could be affecting your son's behavior. My son took almost a year to potty train completely and we didn't start until he was 3. First, I notice that he has a younger sister. It could be an attention getter or a feeling that he still wants to be momma's baby. Although this may seem far-fetched to us, even the extra time and touch spent with a younger sibiling who needs it can affect the older one. Typically this behavior is coupled with other behaviors such as more temper tantrums or behavior issues at the dinner table. Secondly, structure is so important in a child's life, has anything changed with schedule, even something minor that could be throwing him off? Thirdly, has anything changed in his diet or activity level? My son would typically get so busy that he didn't realize he had to go until it was too late. Lastly, don't be too hard on him when he does have accidents (there is no indication that you are) but I know a little boy that was punished when he had an accident and then it became a vicious cycle, he would be scared and feel intimidated and would loose control and then would be punished again. Again, there is no indication whatsoever that this is your response, but I would correct/retrain without dwelling on the negative. It will feed the attention (if that is the root cause) or could continue the cycle.
Hi L. - I would take him to the doctor to rule out anything physical first. Also, try limiting his fluid intake several hours before bedtime. Some children sleep so soundly, that they don't wake up when they have to use the bathroom. There are pads they sleep on that "beep" when they become wet to alert your child, however, he may be to young to use it. I think talking to your pediatrician is the best place to start. Good Luck!
Try to stop any liquids after dinner. Maybe just a little drink before bed. Has he been having bad dreams or is something scaring him. I know he's only 3, but try asking him how he feels about his day. What did he do? Did he have a good day? Etc. Maybe something will come up.
This might not be such a big deal. Sometimes little boys are just to "into " whatever they are doing to stop and go potty. Just let him know if he has an accident it's ok and happens to everyone. I, however, told my sons they would have to go back to "baby pants" ie. diapers if they didn't use the potty. All day accident free ment getting to wear the big boy underwear the next day. Also a good idea to watch for that "pee-pee" dance and remind him, if you see any signs he has to go.
