Seeking for a Potty Training Method

Just wondering do you need to have him potty trained in four days or so b/c of school? Sometimes it takes much longer, but not always. You may have to try different methods, maybe ones you've already read, until one suits your son. I've heard a lot of moms say that putting a couple of ring cereals in the potty teaches them where to aim the pee. Also, this time in a child's development requires much patience on our part as parents b/c each child is different.

I don't know anyone who did it in a week. Or any less then that for that matter. It's not as easy as you think. It took about 2 months to get my son, until we found a method that worked for him. First how old is your son, you don't say. My son (and the more mom's I talk to all say) wasn't ready until about 3 or so. Also, I wouldn't be so forceful, you don't want him to be afraid. We tried several methods (sitting him on the potty every hour, rewards, pull-ups, praise you name it), but the only thing that worked was letting him run around naked. He actually physically had to see it happen to get it. But I don't think doing it in a week is realistic.

Hi Andrea,
This is what I did with my son when he was about 2 1/2 and it worked! I bought a potty (or you can use your big potty) and let him sit on it when he wanted and got used to it. Then I picked a vacation where I knew I would be home for days on end and not going here there and everywhere and I started potty training! I used the big boy character underwear (no pull ups during the day except during nap at first) and pull ups at night for a little while. Once I saw my son was waking up pretty dry I tried it during the night and it worked! WOO HOO When we braved the outdoors we would make sure that we took him to the restroom as soon as we entered a building! haha
All children are different as I found out, my older son was 3 and my younger son was 2 when I was able to potty train. Anyway, I made a potty chart with Thomas the Train on it because he loves Thomas and found Thomas reward stickers and used those as well. He loved putting them on the chart everytime he went on the potty. At first I just brought him to the potty every 15 minutes even when we were both frustrated, I didn't give in and he got the hang of it in a few days! I did not use m & m's or candy because he is allergic to peanuts so there is a limitation on what he could have and personally, I don't think candy should be used because it isn't very healthy, again, thats my opinion! In total it only took about 1 week but there were days when he had accident upon accident and I almost quit but said to myself and my husband, I know he is ready, I can't quit on him. I recommend using big boy underwear because he will feel it and come to understand that this is what happens when I pee in my new underwear and I don't like it! And when he goes on the potty (maybe even just a little bit) act like a cheerleader and make a huge deal because he will love the positive attention! haha When my son had accidents I just told him that he was a big boy and big boys don't pee in there pants and it did not make Mommy happy. Not sure if that was right to say but he understood. Ultimately, you need to take extra time to stay home with him and just get it done. (if you work, if not then thats great!) and keep giving him positive reinforcement and rewards! Good luck with whatever path you take! :)

Andrea,

Every child is diffrent as we all know. I've seen these little floaters things at babies r us for little boys they're like little targets that you put in the toilet and they aim at. It sounds like it would make potty training fun and I would believe pretty effective. I'm not to sure if this helps but ive also heard of people using Cheerios as well ( theyre probably cheaper) I wish you well in your potty training endeavor and no matter what stay strong be consistant and he will get it eventually. I dont know how you feel about your son having a doll ( i know alot of parents are against boys and baby dolls) but just another thought maybe you could also try a doll with a potty leave the potty in the bathroom and let him play pretend that the doll has to use the toilet and see how that works (sounds silly but hey whatever might work is worth a shot again good luck and be patient Wishing you the best
S.