My problem is that he won't go potty by himself at any time! He always says, "Mommy, I need you." I love the fact that he is still in need of me, but I want to teach him to be a little independent. He can go by himself, but insists that I go with him. Just to clarify things, I do not let him go by himself at all when we are in public places. This is just at home that I want him to be a little more independent. Am I asking to much of him right now?
My son at that age, often would want me to come in the bathroom with him. He liked the reassurance and postivite feedback he would get, especially when we were toilet training. he will grow out of it. I started by standing close to the door, then next to door, then hallway. He finally would go by himself.
It depends on what he needs you for. Can he get his clothing on and off by himself? Does he have difficult bm's and need you for moral support? Does he know how to clean up afterward?
If you're pretty sure he simply wants you there but can handle all the details himself, then start weaning him gently. You might accompany him to the bathroom until he's begun the process, then remark that you need to go take care of X. Do this more and more frequently, and he'll get used to it. At some point, when he asks for your assistance, just tell him you're proud that he can do it himself now, and when he's done and had washed his hands, you'll be happy to do something together that he likes.
My grandson is 5.5, but not yet always thorough at wiping himself after a poop. His mom still checks on him occasionally. I think that's pretty normal up through the 5th year, but he does need to take care of his own process at preschool, and seems to do a reasonable job of it.
Sounds like you need to gently wean him of your presence. Something like, "I'll be back in a minute" or "Mommy needs to do such and such right now, you can do it!" and walk away for a couple of minutes. I'd be back for clean-up to praise him for doing it on his own, and I don't blame you a bit for accompanying him in public restrooms!♥
