Would You Take Him Out for a Day (Potty Training)

Hi H.,
From my perspective (having 2 boys potty trained before age 3), I have great news for you: your child IS potty trained. He is JUST having accidents. This does not mean you are a failure AT ALL!

Every time one of our boys has had an accident, my hubby and I can trace it back to slacking of on OUR part. Our boys did not care one way or the other if they were potty-trained, so if Mom and Dad slacked off: accidents happen.

Keep your boy on his schedule and *keep him in camp*! Stick to it, and once he sees that this is a permanent situation (meaning: the diapers ain't comin' back, kid), you will see you *eventually* won't have to keep him on track as much.

This is a *process,* YOU are doing the right things, just keep going!!!

Yea, MOM!
t

i feel for you...don't have much advice to give you (we were totally trained too for about 3-4 months, day and night, pee and pooh, but then we moved and started a new school and my son went waaay back to the beginning...and we're still getting out of that regression stage - he is also 3 and a half, almost four). BUT i just wanted to point something out, i don't know, maybe your three year old would understand, but mine wouldn't, that getting taken out of camp is a direct result of not using the potty correctly. he may "get it" for about ten minutes, but after that it would be lost. every kid is different so if you honestly think he would "get it" then maybe it's worth a shot, taking him out. but you want to make sure that he understands and that it does some good as a form of discipline. my son's attention span is just too short still. good luck, i hope he gets it soon!

Maturation has it's ups and downs. Some toddlers are not able to always retain urine or feces. Their anatomy is still developing. I would not be harsh on him. I would work at just letting this go. Remind yourself that this happens and do not make it a big deal for him or for yourself. Accept that this is the way it will be for a while and relax. It's possible that your anxiety and frustration may be contributing to his inability to be consistent.

If he's enjoying the camp and the camp isn't asking that he be removed, then don't remove him. Let the camp handle the situation that happens at camp. His accidents are not a negative reflection on you.

3 1/2 is still quite young and many toddlers this age are not even potty trained. Your son is doing good to manage this this well. Give him lots of praise when he's able to hold it and ignore the accidents or tell him you know it was just an accident and you know he'll do better

When your son is at summer camp, his routine is drastically changed which does affect his ability to stay clean. Remember he is only 3 1/2.

Are you sure he enjoys summer camp. some kids don't do well with a change of routines and the chaos of strangers.

Above all, find a way to relax and let nature take it's course. You are an individual separate from your son. I'm not sure why his experiences are depressing to you. This situation is not a judgment of you as a parent!

He may be doing this for attention. I don't mean anything negative by saying this...sometimes chldren want more attention..it is not something we necessaily have done wrong as parents they just react this way at times. As a parent of two boys I have learned this the hard way...sometimes we have to adjust the way we handle things. As far as potty-training goes...there HAS to be expectations. Keeping a "high" expectation(knowing they can physically control it) IS NECESSARY in potty-traiining. Children will usually only do what is actually expecteded of them. I say this as a mom and babysitter...