Is it time?

[Colonelcupcake]

Hi

DS1 is aged 2.4 and recently whenever he has done a poo he has been taking his nappy off himself (just finished cleaning the carpet after a recent one) does this indicate he is about ready to potty train? His speech is fairly good, he will just about sit on the potty when told, can follow instructions and is fairly interested in the process, as he is quite a sensitive chap what is the best way to potty train without scarring him for life with it all! Being at the no stage when he is told to do anything he will go NO! but then do it

Also what is the best way to deal with such events without scaring or encouraging him?

If he's sensitive I would do a slow and gentle method instead of the sudden "NO MORE NAPPIES" method. If he has a "poo face" you can encourage him to sit on the potty or toilet seat to poo. You can also let him teach his teddy or favourite toy how to use the potty (eliminates fear, reinforces his learning). I found when starting out (at 14 months) that timing was essential. Success breeds success, so instead of plonking him on the potty to make a wee when he doesn't need to and nothing happens leaving you both demoralised, it's better to put him on as soon as he wakes from a nap or in the morning when he's almost sure to need to wee. The same for when he gives a cue that he's going to poo. I wouldn't move on from nappies until he's at least sussed what the potty or toilet is for and wants to use it (not necessarily asking but being willing to go when you suggest -- never say "do you need to" always say "let's go and...")

Expect some fear when he first notices that he's doing a wee or a poo and just reassure him. Keep an encouraging face, no matter how horrified his is. (DS still has a terrified face when making a poo and he's been doing it on the loo for a year now!) The best part about boys and the summer is it's easy to let them wee outside. If they show some resistance or disinclination to use the toilet, just take them outside, distract them with "ooh look at that bird over there," drop their drawers and then find them a target. "Can you see if you can wee on that leaf over there?"

Thank you very much ches, he refuses if I say do you need to so I will try it like you have suggested