Potty Training Regression - Lisle,IL

Our pediatrician's best advice was to potty train them when they're ready, not when we want them to be.

Our son was past his 3rd birthday, but when he got it, he got it and has had few accidents and no regression.

Boys don't have as acute of a concept of when their bladders are full as girls at the same age - so, they tend to be older when potty training (according to our pediatrician who has 3 boys ages 5 and younger).

I'd encourage him without pushing. Our 3.5 year-old nephew is locked in a battle of the wills with his parents. They've finally thrown in the towel out of frustration until he's showing more signs of readiness.

Our neighbor's son was much closer to 4 and would run around the neighborhood naked last summer until he was ready to do it.

Good luck. I hope the frustration ends soon for you both!

Erin,

I don't know if this would work, but try a relaxation exercies. When one the potty, tell your son to relax his eyebrows, chin, arms, and all the way down. If he is relaxing muscles, then he might relax enough to go potty.

Good Luck!

R. Magby

Set the timer for 30 - 40 minutes and tell him every time it goes off, he has to try and go potty. If he refuses, take something away that is only for 'big boys'. For my daughter, I take away tv, telling her only big girls who wear underwear can watch cartoons (this is usually enough incentive!). Something about the 'timer' being the one to tell her it's time to try makes her do it without asking. Sometimes I"ll try to do without and will tell her that she can go if she has to or to tell me when she has to go and she says "when the timer goes off!" She was doing great for about two weeks by telling me when she had to go but then this past weekend we were outside most of the weekend and she had quite a few accidents so we went back to the timer. I also know not to 'ask' if she has to go because she knows that means she has to stop what shes' doing, which equals stopping having fun! She also only gets a treat (mini marshmallow) now WHEN she goes...not when she tries. When she tries but can't go, I'll say "Thanks for trying!!"

I would let him lead, you follow. I did no pressure, and one day we just spent a day out of the house in underwear as a test. He knew if he peed in his pants, we would have to go home. That worked for us in getting him to stay dry all the time. But, I do think at times the harder you push, the harder they push back. Let it go for now and ease up. Oh, and I love the training underwear from Hannah Anderson (at Northpark mall or via catalog) bc man, they hold a ton of pee to save your floors during potty training.