Should we abort?

[Ahhhcantthinkofagoodname]

Hi, I'm kind of thinking we should abort but not sure if we are just going through what everyone does and would be better off persevering?

So ds, exactly 2.5, was showing some signs of being ready for pot training. The main one was he got very funny about having his nappy changed and whenever it was off wanted to go on his potty. We really encouraged this and he went through a phase of doing a wee on the potty every morning adn every evening. Then when he looked as if he wanted to do a poo I asked him if he wants to go on the toilet, he ran to the toilet and did a poo on the toilet once I'd taken his nappy off. This happened several times so yeterday afternoon we started proper potty training. I bought one of those seats that go on the toilet....

Yesterday we had two wees on the toilet (I asked him if he wantd to go, he said yes) and two accidents. Not a bad start I thought!

Today so far we have had five wee accidents and one poo accidents. I've been asking him lots and only one time did he want to have a go and I suspect we didn't quite make it in time. He just doesn't seem as bothered anymore despite me giving lots of praise and a smartie when he's been successful. Actually he's been very clingy, wanting lots of cuddles etc so I'm thinking it's all a bit much for him.

What do you reckon, stop for now and try again in another few weeks? I'm not sure it's relevant but ds can't talk yet and will prob need speech therapy in a few months - so he can't tell me stuff unfortunately...

[NeverQuiteSure]

Gosh, sounds like he's doing really well to me! I think stopping and starting is best avoided as it might confuse him (stopping for a couple of months would be ok, but not weeks IYSWIM). I've heard many children do relapse a bit after their first few successful days, so perhaps quite normal?

My DD (currently 2 years and 9 months) has been out of nappies since just before Christmas and one success per day is good for us! (Can't take a break sadly as she has recurrent itchiness/nappy rash)

[NeverQuiteSure]

...not sure if your DS has a communication difficulty or 'just' a problem with his speech but, if just the speech, perhaps get him to grab his willy for need a wee and bottom for need a poo?

[RueDeWakening]

We started potty training last week with DS. Day 1 was fab, day 2 was a nightmare and I was ready to give up by lunchtime. DH gave me a pep talk and we persevered - and I'm glad we did, it's not perfect yet by any stretch but we had no accidents yesterday, and 2 minor ones today.

DS is 2y11m by the way.

[LaTrucha]

Sounds quite normal to me. I think only abort if it becomes a struggle or a battle of wills.

[Ahhhcantthinkofagoodname]

Thanks for the advice. He's worn a nappy this afternoon as I ran out of clothes (!) and thought we weren't getting anywhere. He was fine about having nappy put on so not sure what to do now. I'm inclined to wait 4 or 6 weeks maybe then have another shot, any other thoughts?

[LaTrucha]

From the grand experience of two, I would say when they're ready they sort of take the work of it out of your hands.

With DD, she begged me for 6 months after she was showing real interest but I was pregnant and sick as a dog and couldn't face it. We did it after DS was born and she was dry in three days. (age2 and 9 months)

I didn't think DS was ready at all as he was very resistant to all the potty 'play' DD did when she was getting interested, e.g sitting on it, sitting dolly on it. He refused point blank to go near it. He kept getting a terrible rash, though, so one day I told him he wasn't going to wear nappies at home. I was prepared to clean up the mess to get rid of the rash. That day, he said he didn't want to wear a nappy to go and pick up DD from school. I went along with it thouroughly expecting disaster. All I can say is, I'm amazed. Nearly three months in and I'd be surprised if we'd had 20 accidents in total and he doesn't even wear a nappy at night. (age 2and 5 months)

Go with your gut instinct. If you think he could do with a little more time, you're probably right. But then, I've not got any more experience than my own two.