The Right Time for Potty Training..?

Updated on June 29, 2007
S.H. asks from Arden, NC
6 answers

I have a very bright two year old son (he just had his birthday last week) who is showing a little interest in going to the potty. I have read a lot about the subject but I would like some opinions from other moms. Some people have said it is too soon, others talk about the potty training from birth, so on and so on. I don't want to hold him back if he is capable, but I also don't want to frustrate him and turn him off so it will be harder to do later. We have a training toilet and the extent of my effort so far is just sitting him on it every so often, which has actually kept him clean and dry for a few days now. But he doesn't ask to go on his own. Is this a novelty game, or what? Any other advice would be great! Thanks, S.

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B.B.

answers from Fayetteville on

I potty trained my little man at 2, and he did great. He also showed interest, and I acted on that. By the time he was two and a half years old, he was completely potty trained. So, I would say that if you think he is ready he probably is. Good Luck!!!

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N.S.

answers from Norfolk on

Right now is the perfect time to potty train. I am potty training my 3 yearold and it is not fun. Do it while he is still two.He is in the learning stage right now and it is the perfect time to start. I wish i started earlier. A helpful hint, be consistant , and try to set a day were all you do is use the potty. It helps trust me! Oh and use a reward system to. I gave my son a couple m&m's when he would use the potty, it encourages them to go. - - - N.

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B.P.

answers from Charlotte on

If he's interested, work with him. If he becomes uninterested, step back. Potty training can be a huge power struggle, but everything I"ve read about it says it's not a power struggle you need to win. My daughter was very interested at 18 months, but then we went on a trip for 2+ weeks and I couldn't keep up with the training- too much time on airplanes and cars where I just couldn't risk an accident. When we got back she wasn't interested at all. At two I felt pressure that she should be potty trained so we worked on it and struggled with it. Finally I just sat her down and told her I know she knows what to do and when to do it and when she's ready we'll do the potty and she can wear panties. Then I stopped talking to her about it. Within a week she came to me and said she wanted to wear panties. It's been clear sailing since then. With my now two year old, some days she's interested and some days she not but I'm just following her lead. She'll be potty trained for good within 6 months I"m sure. Just do what you feel is best for you and him and don't listen to anyone who talks about potty training as early as possible.

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B.W.

answers from Columbia on

Hi S.,
I am a first time mom of a little boy who turns 2 tomorrow. For the last week I have been putting him on the potty every hour or so, and he has stayed dry and clean, except for sleep time. I also watch his cousin who will be 3 in two weeks and she is in the process also so it makes it easier doing both. We tried this about 3 or 4 months ago and Michael wanted nothing to do with it and would cry. Now he likes going and gets a sticker every time he goes. He doesn't tell me when he has to go but I know in time he will. Keep with it, if he wants to sit and go on the potty it is only encouraging the process. He will get it. Keep with it. I think the hardest thing is training us, the Moms. Good luck! We are in this together :)

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J.B.

answers from Norfolk on

Hi S.,
I have a son born June 6, 2005. I asked a similar question last week. In addition to your responses, you might want to read mine!

Good luck

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S.J.

answers from Wilmington on

Hi. :) I have two daughters, both potty trained before age three... I know you have a boy and they are supposed to be harder. I wouldn't know. However, one thing I do want to say that I personally noticed from my first to my second: Wait! Seriously... they won't go to college with pull-ups on! With kid number one I "worked" really hard on the reminders and rewards... for what? it still took nine months to get her arround! Nine months of extra laundry and cleaning the floors... No thanks! With kid number two I decided to wait untill she was ready. Definitely the training toilet is a must, let her go whenever she wants to go, but not with the "eyes on the prize" thinking. :) When she was ready to go she went. It wasn't until she could handle the naptime dryness that I started introducing panties. So much easier. And the surprising part- they both were potty trained at 2 3/4 years... regardless of the "work" I put into it. I personally have realized that all I did with the first child was allow the potty to turn into a power struggle. You definitely don't want to start playing that game!

Good Luck!

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