Last summer when my son was 2 and a half we began the potty training experience. I used all incentive techniques from sticker charts to little gifts and treats and within 3 days the pee accidents stopped and within a month he was beginning to get the hang of number 2! Then he got strep throat and we had to put him on antibiotics. This caused horrible stomach cramping, diarrhea etc....and thus ended his interest in using the potty. The doctors said let go of if for now. Well now we are on our holiday break, our son is now 3 and I planned to accomplish this training during our 2 week vacation. He has shown NO interest and after 6 days of me pushing and trying to get him to cooperate he has chosen the pull-up instead of big boy underwear!!!! I would appreciate any suggestions of help!! :)
K. ~
I can't really help much with the potty training part, but have a suggestion.
The next time your son is sick, ask the doctor to write for the chewable antibiotics. My son used to get the diarrhea from the liquid antibiotics, but not with the chewables. I don't know why they never write for them, but someone did once for my son and after that I always had to ask specifically. My son said they tasted like the "pink medicine."
D.
I think you should back off with him. Obviously, he is not ready right now, even though he was not too long ago. Sometimes kids have setbacks. It seems a lot of my friends who have boys say that it takes longer and they are older when they potty train, like 3 or 4 years old. Make sure your daycare is encouraging the use of the potty too. Otherwise, I think you should just wait until he is ready.
Oh my! Here is what worked phenomenally well for both my kids (one boy and one girl). There are a couple of REALLY good 'kid based' potty training videos out there.
1. Bear In The Big Blue House Potty Time
2. Elmo's Potty Time
3. It's Potty Time (for HIM or for HER--2 diff vids)
My little guy absolutely LOVED to sit on his potty and watch these shows. He had great success and super fast, too. You can usually buy them SUPER cheap on ebay or for regular price at any big video store.
Good luck!!
Unfortunately, with a lot of kids, the hurrier you go, the behinder you get! I'd stay very laid-back or you'll inadvertently extend the time even more. The peer pressure in daycare will probably help him decide to take the leap soon. My grandson was nearly 4 and my doctor daughter was also. Both had had many false starts and clearly were capable of doing it but wouldn't. If he sees this is important to you, that may be all he needs to decide not to do it at this time. This is a big age for power and control!
Hi K.,
I don't have much advice for you because I'm in the same boat as you. My son started using the potty at 2 but he had quite a few accidents and now refuses to wear underware. He runs and finds his pull-ups and puts them on himself. He will be 3 in a few weeks and would love to not have diapers anymore. LOL!! I'll be checking back to see any advice you get.
Chris
