Potty Training - Beale AFB,CA

I'm in the middle (or hopefully the last part) of training my son. I won't even go into the horrible details of what he did yesterday when he had to poop!! This is what we've tried.. Actually, usually during the day since I'm at home right now, I let my son, who's gonna be 3 in a couple weeks, run around naked.. I know that probably sounds crazy, but it works for us.. Usually if he wears something I think he still thinks its like a diaper and will pee and poop in them.. and I don't think he can feel the sensation of having to go the bathroom.. So for a few days I let him run around and he kept telling me he had to go and I'd take him in there at first then he started going on his own.. The poop thing is definately a little more complicated (especially if they don't go at the same time everyday!) I did find that when my son had to go and he didn't wear anything he would be more vocal about going because he didn't have the security of wearing something! -and of course they will just have accidents every once in a while but if you haven't tried, and you can stay at home, just let him go naked for a bit.. watch him of course! Our son has a certain spot that he likes to go to and he gets a funny look on his face then we know run him to the bathroom!! - My mother-in-law also sets a timer to help, which I thought was really helpful!- I hope that helps you!

My son who is 6 now had the same problem. I didn't understand why until he told me that their was a weird sound in the bathroom that always scared him. It turned out to be the timed "whisper scent":) I removed it from all our restrooms and that seemed to work but now I need to constantly remind him to flush the toilet because he is afraid of the noise. This is just something they might outgrow...try not to stress him out and eventually it might just get better =) Good luck!

Dear T.,

Well, who knows what is bothering him, but something is. Try getting a small stool, 'of his own' so that he can get onto the toilet easily alll by himself. Also, make sure that he can pull his clothes down and up easily. And, what about wiping, can he reach? Practice with him on the clothes thing, and let him show you how he can do it. But be sure that he thinks that you are not forcing him. Those four year olds are getting independent, and remember when your mother tried to make you do something? Umhuh, they feel the same way. So try it anyway. Good Luck, C. N.

Could it be that you've trained your son to go every 1/2 hour? When I was potty training our 6.5 year old at 3, I realized since I was making him sit on the potty every 1/2 hour, I'd trained him to have to pee at half hour intervals. So, he didn't know when he had to go otherwise. Sounds like the same thing w/your son. He probably doesn't quite get the urge to go cuz he's made to go at certain times. At this point in potty training, I stopped making our son go every 1/2 hour so he could feel the urge himself. Granted, I had to wash A LOT of wet underpants & shorts for a short period of time but he learned himself when he had to go. So, my suggestion is to stock up on underpants, give up making him go every 1/2 hour & let him learn the urge himself. I know hts will be hard w/the new baby. This could be his way of expressing stress over the new baby, but at 4 years old your son should feel the urge to go so maybe 1st you should talk to your ped & then try my suggestion. Good luck!