How to potty train when you work full time??

[PP2291]

My DS is 2 and I think seems ready for potty training. He wants to sit on the potty when I go to the loo and is very aware of what he is doing and sometimes tells me when he does a wee or poo in his nappy. I started potty training a few months ago trying to be quite casual about it and gently introduce. But then we moved house, changed childminder etc and I was worried about things being too much for him. I am a bit worried I have done more harm than good here. When he is without a nappy he never has accidents (I often let him be naked at home) but also doesn't go to the potty or tell me he needs a wee or poo etc. He will just wait til he has a nappy on again. So in this way I know he has got bowel control but am worried I have gotten him into a terrible habit now.

Should I take some time off work to try and nail this? I know I will need my childminders help on this but feel I should lead the way?

I would really appreciate any tips at all.

Thanks so much!

[legallyblond]

Tbh, I would think you need up take the week off rather than use the CM or nursery... I found that 100% consistency is needed plus I simply cannot imagine doing it with lots going on and lots of other DCs to look after. Also, I did lots of letting DD come with me to the loo and made a big deal if "look at where I do wees etc.... Then she'd have a turn - def not one for the CM!! DD was potty trained at just after 2 yo and was v distractable.... she needed constant asking and "having a go" and especially during engaging activities. If asked, she would say no if there was something more appealing going on. One on one the appealing activity can be stopped then resumed once a potty attempt has been made. I never used sweeties etc, just lots and LOTS of praise plus stickers. I ignored accidents but did ask if she had felt the wee coming. I didn't involve her in cleaning it up. Also, lots of people I know went straight to loo - I would rope your DP in with lots of joint loo trips!! I found that this way took less than a week to crack then another week if occasional accidents...

[WidowWadman]

what if it's not cracked within that week of annual leave?, Legally -children need consistency, true, and therefore nursery/CM and parents have to be consistent in how to do it, but I don't think taking a week off and thinking that'll sort it works.

[Mandy21]

I think in most cases, a week plus the weekends either side should be enough - of course there might be accidents after that but you'd have almost got there. Agree that the CM has to be involved in the decision and follow through but on the basis the CM has other children to look after / maybe has to do school runs etc, seems better (imo) for parent to do it if possibke.

Found that letting them choose big girl knickers / boy pants the day before helped, sticker reward chart, tons of praise. Potty upstairs + potty downstairs. Don't leave the house for a few days, just leave them naked from the waste down. Didnt use pullups / trainer pants - too much like a nappy in my view.

Good luck!

[FamiliesShareGerms]

Mandy, exactly! I think the key thing is doing nothing else for about 3-4 days.

How is it going now OP? if the potty isn't working, you can go straight to the toilet. Both of mine preferred it, using a potty for out and about only after a couple of days

[mycatlikestwiglets]

I had 3 days off to crack it with DS before sending him to nursery and that was enough for us. Mind you, his nursery were supportive and well used to dealing with potty training toddlers so they just carried on the good work we'd started. We were able to leave the house by day 3 but made sure we went to places with decent toilets!