Hi. I need some advice on potty training. My 3 year old son has absolutely no interest in using the potty AT ALL. He completely freaks out when I even mention wearing underpants and goes nutty when I suggest not wearing a diaper. I have tried the stickers and jelly beans and big boy underwear but he is not interested. I know boys can sometimes take longer and I don't want to force the issue but...I'd at least like to start the process. All suggestions appreciated.

By Crystal915 on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - 01:01 am:

Hi, and welcome!! This particular board isn't used much, so you may want to repost this on the "Parenting" board. Just go to "Topics", then "Parenting" and post a new convo like you did here. I don't have any advice on the potty training, but I know a lot of the moms here will!! Good luck!

By Ginny~moderator on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - 06:36 pm:

Nicole, I moved your post from the Chat Room board, which is near the bottom of topics, to the Parenting board, close to the top,so that your question will get more attention.

By Reds9298 on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - 07:34 pm:

Have you done the 'being naked' thing? How does he feel when he pees on himself?

By Stacey on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - 08:37 pm:

Hi Nicole! I feel your pain, I went through the EXACT same thing when my son was 3 and the first month of turning 4. It was an absolute nightmare I must say! He was actually ok with pee, but not poop. We tried sticker charts, candy, money (lol), everything you can bribe a 4 year old with we tried. He wore underwear, but when he had to poop, he would help himself to a pullup and do his business and then ask to be wiped. It drove me nuts!! So, finally when he turned 4 my husband and I told him that we were taking the pull up's away and he HAD to go on the potty. He went like once or twice and my entire family made the biggest deal out of it and bought him toys, etc. Well, then he stopped going and became extremly constipated. Of course I was feeling so guilty tryin to stick to my guns and not put a pull up on him when the kid was crying in pain. So, I took him to the Dr. and she suggested a fleet's enema and then start him on Miralax everyday for a while. We gave him the fleets and he went of course with no problem. Started giving him the Miralax the following day and gave it to him for about 2 weeks. He went with no problem. We stopped the Miralax and thank the LORD, he is a pooping champ now. I was never so relieved in my life! It was a complete nightmare that lasted a what felt like a lifetime, but then turned to a success. So, my advice to you would be to keep up trying all the little things everyone suggests like cheerios in the toilet and have him pee on them etc. I'm telling you, I really thought my son was going to go to kindergarten not potty trained...but, it all worked out in the end. I didn't totally stress until he turned 4, so your little guy still has time. Good Luck!

By Debbie on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - 09:37 pm:

All I can say is don't push him. I made this mistake with my oldest, and like Stacey's son, we got into a horrible cycle of constipation, and holding it. I have to admit, that both of my boys were just past 4 when they fully potty trained. I would just keep trying different things to get him interested. One good thing is that since he is older, it should be easier. I know with my youngest, he was just past 4, and he just decided to do it one day. He didn't have a single accident.

By Kaye on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - 10:40 pm:

My doc told me with boys, you train them before 30 months, or you have to wait for them, which is often closer to 4. I know you want him to be trained, but if he doesn't buy in, it is heck to make happen.

Are there reasons for needing him trained? Is he making a mess of himself (ie taking off soiled diapers)?

If it is just what you feel is time, then you need to back and up and let it be, it will happen.

By Jellybug on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 - 02:18 pm:

Hi, thanks for all you thoughts and advice. I guess I'm just ready for him to be trained. My daughters were about the same age when they trained so I'm definately not the type of mom to push the issue...but he won't even try. He wants nothing to do with using the bathroom at all. I think he's just used to the security of wearing a diaper. We tried the no diaper at all for awhile and he did have a few accidents which I think freaked him out a bit. Now I just casually ask him every day if he want to try using the potty...and he casually replies, "no thanks mom."

By Jackie on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 - 02:21 pm:

Im in the same boat. My daughter is 3, and has no desire at all to be potty trained. She hates to be without a diaper on. She has used the potty on off..now its off completely> She sits there and nothing ever comes out.We have tried the stickers, money, candy, trip to the toy store..yet nothing motivates her.

By Mrsheidi on Thursday, September 20, 2007 - 04:49 pm:

Seeing other kids pee that are his age really was a motivator for Connor. So, while he was in diapers, I just asked him once a day..."Do you want to go pee pee on the potty?"
I used M&M's as bribery but it worked. He had at least one accident a day until I think he got sick of the feeling after about a week. (I stopped diapers cold turkey except for sleep times.) I also took him often and gave him M&M's often, for 2 weeks. He still has yet to poop on the toilet, so I might try that Fleets stuff and see if that helps. He's constipated as it is! LOL
GOOD LUCK!!