It's not that unusual for a boy not to be toilet trained at 2 1/2 is it?

[Nettee]

I took DS to preschool for the first time today as they take children from 2 1/2. At the end the leader said to me that she noticed that he was still in pull ups and what was I thinking of doing about it? I said that the lady who used to be in charge had told me that this would be ok and that as I have just had a baby I didn't think it would be the ideal time to start potty training. She hummed and harred and looked at her policy and eventually said that it might be ok if I stayed with DS or if he only stayed for short sessions. I left feeling thoroughly told off and miserable. There must be lots of children in the same situation surely we are not that far behind. If they say they take them from this age they must surely expect it or clearly state that they won't have them untrained. I don't know what to do now. He did seem so little compared to the others there - maybe we should leave it for another six months and send him back when he is 3. The sessions are only 2 1/2 hours anyway so he probably wouldn't need a nappy change in this time and if he did they could always phone me - maybe I should suggest that. DS just isn't interested in the potty or loo yet - he likes pants but just wets them without noticing. I really don't think he is ready.

Thanks for the link, coppertop. I wish I'd known about this 6 months ago.

Not unusual. DS still not interested at 2.5 yrs. I'm not bothering - he'll do it when he's ready - just like everything else. I'm not up for any more battles quite frankly.

My DS is just potty trained at 3 years and 9 months. He went to nursery in a Lidl pull up every day and the staff never had to change him. Though they would have if required.
They can't refuse them as others have said, but can call you in if they poo.

are lidl pull-ups good, hmg?

Hi Aitch, yes Lidl were the best for C. His bum hangs out of the normal pull up types!!
They are really nappies so hold loads. They are very stretchy so even the size 5 would fit C who would normally be a size 6.
Worth a try.
M x

thanks, i'll give them a shot. wrestling dd into a nappy is impossible these days...

my 2 DS were both 3 when they finally decided to use the toilet. DS1 just made his mind up (shortly after DS2 arrived,hmm) that he didn't use nappies any more and gave them all to new baby bro; DS2 had to be pretty much shamed into it, after encouragement, persuasion etc - all those lovely positives, had limited effect. He still wears pull-ups at night as he remains clueless. he was 4 last week. hope your DS does better than this chap. Anyone i mention it to just rolls their eyes and says ooohhhh, it's boys. Great.

I am at present stunned by 21mo DD who has decided to be toilet trained (pretty much by herself) in the last week. After two boys this is unreal!

DS also started nursery at 2.5 Was not toilet trained.The nursery accepted him on that premise.

Just before his third Bday, the school encouraged me to do it. But they offered to help by taking him along with other kids when they go so could see for himself and try it.

Within 2 weeks, it was done. A few accidents, but that was it. (Nappy now still on at night and he's 3.5)

The advantage of waiting a bit is that the process is a lot quicker.

Don't listen to anybody but you and him. If you've got too much going on with new baby and not there to help him recognise the signs that he needs to go, it will take ages.
Basically for a week or two, you've got to give it your full attention and be prepared to praise a lot and not bother cleaning up accidents.

Good luck

If you really hav to do it, make sure he' is wearing smthg with an elastic waist that he can easily pull up and down.

\Half of the accidents are because too enngrossed in activity to bother/other half is because they make it to the toilet but can pull trousers down!

Going by my boys, I would say it is unusual for a boy to be toilet trained by 2.5!

I know some preschools used to be funny about this (ds1 didn't go to our local one because of this - I was desperate for him to start and be settled before ds2 arrived so sent him to another instead which turned out to be far nicer imo) but I thought they had changed their policy now - I know our local one has...

IMO it is far easier for them to have a child in pull-ups than deal with lots of accidents so don't know why they are like this. Most children very quickly learn to save poos for mummy to deal with so they don't need to change them! Plus it discriminates against children who are toilet trained later because of SN...

I would just stand your ground and continue to send your ds in pull-ups (and don't be bullied into taking him home early either unless he has done a poo...)

neither of mine were till they were 3.5 DS2 is 4 in October and he has only just managed to do it properly and be dry day and night

The preschool that DS 2 attends will help you potty train to if you want

Quick update - thanks for all your supportive replies. The leader phoned me early in the week and suggested taking DS for an hour and at time to begin with and build up from there. She will call me if he poos. He has been to his 2 sessions this week and seems to be enjoying it so I am feeling much better about the whole thing.

Help! Potty training DS right now (after two weeks off with stomach bug...not practical!)

1. He's weeing loads OK and pooed once in potty but I'd rather he used the loo, which he wanted to once. Thing is, he kept falling in. I tried one of those booster seats that fits inside, but no good. Any advice?

2. He can't often get pants down in time to wee/poo, so he's got no trousers on, just pants. How do I resolve this?

Am on my own in Germany and no-one to ask for help. DH keeps coming home and asking why he's not cracked it yet

My 3yr old is not potty trained while at playschool or when out.