Potty Training My Son - Hendersonville,TN

Hi R.!
I have less advice for you & more just some reassurance that you aren't alone! I have 3 children. My 9 yr old girl & 7 yr old boy were both potty trained by age 2 - no problems w/either. BUT - I have a son who just turned 3 August 8th. He is STILL not potty trained.
Methods we've tried include: Singing a family "Teetee in the Potty" song & dance each time, a sticker rewards chart, having him aim @ Cheerios, naked days (he likes those - but they didn't help w/potty training - we had LOTS of accidents in his room wherever he happened to be playing) & bribing him w/treats (such as an M&M) each time he went.
We've also taken him to the store to pick out his own "big boy underwear" just like Daddy's & Big Brother's. (It's sitting in his drawer - accidents TOO MESSY & TOO FREQUENT!)
He's smart, strong-willed & the advice I received is that this is simply a power struggle. SO: We informed him that there will be no more stickers, candy, songs, etc ... that his Big Boy Underwear is in his drawer & that when he's ready he can use it!
My birthday was Oct. 3rd - he went potty ALL DAY & said "Happy Birthday Mama!" each time! However, from then on it's back to diapers!!!
I just wish you the best of luck & - if anyone's advice helps you - PLEASE post a follow-up ... maybe it'll be something I haven't thought of! (ha)
Remember, though, that all kids train on their own schedule. I CONSIDERED going back to work this year & looked @ some preschools. The one we liked had a WAITING LIST for the 3 year old NON-Potty Trained room, but openings in the 3 year old Potty Trained room. That should tell you that you aren't alone in this!

Raelena,
I am a mother of three. The thing is my oldest 2 was trained by their 2nd b-day, and the last one by her 3rd. I looked really hard at what I did differently and it was that I was always trying to hurry with the youngest. And it took her longer. So, my advice is to remember he is new at this and try to make a schedule and take him every 2 or 3 hrs. Until he has not potted on hisself for atleast 2 wks. Then just start asking every few hrs. I know this works because I work in a nursing home and you can retrain the elderly the same way. I also used little bouncey balls as a reward because my youngest loved balls dearly. So find a reward he just loves that is simple and go with it. GOOD LUCK!

S.

I have an son that has autism and usually its hard to potty train them, but this might work for you son. Make up a schedule and do it everyday. For example first thing when he wakes up put him on the potty. I use to use a small portable potty and let him have dry cherrios in front of the tv for 20 mins every morning. He started going pee in a few days. Then keep putting him on the potty every couple of hours esp after meals and snacks. I use to verbally commend him even if he didn't go it was the effort. Also try a naked day. Let him go naked this works great for my 21/2 yearold daughter. It made her more aware. It was only us home. I don't know if they will work for you, but I thought you tried everything else this might do it.. Let me know how it goes

K.

I have two boys 4 & 3. My first was stubborn and didn't potty train until a few months after his 3rd birthday. I tried everything. What worked with him was a hand full of M&M's while he sat there (that got him to the toilet) and then if he did something, he would get to pick a "potty prize" we bought toys and candy and books from the dollar store, wrapped them and put them in a box. It took about a month w/some accidents,but it worked! Him doing #2 was a big problem, so after two weeks, he only got a potty prize after he did #2, but got M&M's after #1.
My other boy just turned 3 and he is being just as stubborn, so I am trying the same method w/him now.
I hope this helped a little ... good luck!
~K.