We start tomorrow - tell me what to do!

[TerrysNo2]

DS, almost 2, keeps screaming when I put a nappy on and saying "no nappy" so I have decided to take the plunge and have a go at potty training him. I do not mind if it doesn't work, as he is still quite little, but if I am going to have a go then I want to do it properly, not half heartedly.

I work in the week so am going to use tomorrow and the weekend to try it out.

I bought him some pants, so what now. Please tell me what to do tomorrow. I know there is lots of good advice on here but I am so busy at work that I don't have much time to search about before tomorrow!

Thanks all!

[Dornan]

I can only tell you what worked for us! Obviously don't make any plans to go out! Have a potty in your living room (or wherever you play) a large pile of spare trousers, pants and socks somewhere nearby so you don't have to make a big fuss to change accidents. I used pj bottoms for the first week as they are easy to pull down and easy to wash and dry. Start off the day by explaining that now he is a big boy he can use his potty rather than nappies. You'll fairly quickly work out how often he wees e.g every hour and then just get him to sit on the potty when he is due! Don't make a fuss of accidents but make HUGE deal if he actually makes it to the potty, lots of whooping, singing, dancing etc. I didn't use chocolate or sticker incentives etc with my two but that works for some Mums. The first two days I changed them both (I have twins) 7 times but by the 3rd they had both got the idea. By the end of the first week they pretty much had it. By the 3rd week we made a 3.5 hour journey to a wedding and they stayed dry during the journey and the service/reception. I think the key is to stay positive (through gritted teeth and in the face of poo!) I also found it useful to have carpet cleaning supplies (kitchen roll, cloth, bowl and 1001) handy - though out of children's reach.good luck!

[Toffeefudgecake]

I agree with what Dornan said, but want to add that I recommend you keep a diary detailing accidents and successes. It really helps you to see how much progress (or not) is being made. I found it very encouraging to look over the diary on about Day 5, when DS still had accidents, and realise that he was having about half the number of accidents as on Day 1.

The diary also helps you to notice any pattern, eg poo first thing in the morning, so that you can encourage DC to use the potty at that time.

Have books and toys at hand near the potty to keep DC sitting there for long enough for anything to happen.

I didn't bother with trousers for DC, by the way. Just pants. Easier to pull up and down to start with.

And stay positive. Lots of praise for successes. Ignore any accidents - just clear them up and don't make any fuss. If you really can't cope with it, you need to think again about whether this is the right time for you as it is really important to have the right attitude.

This is a good book on potty training, by the way. Used it with both my boys.

Good luck.

[Lydwatt]

I found rewarding with chocolate buttons worked really well with both (except my canny little ds worked out that if he held some back and went a little later, he could get more buttons out of the deal!).

be patient and get used to wee. As said, praise all the way.

i also found story books about potty training helped, esp as my ds totally got weeing but hated the idea of doing a poo in the toilet (and wouldn't tolerate a nappy on). I sat on the toilet floor endlessy reading to him whilst he worked out the pooing thing. Fun fun fun!!