The potty training problem I never hear about

[Stoppingstorm]

I've read a lot of potty training Q&As over the last few months and I've seen a lot about regressions and toddlers, sometimes using the potty and sometimes having accidents. I am struggling to even get my 30 month old DS near this stage.

In December we did a week of the OhCrap method and over Easter, we tried a 3 day method. We had no progress with either. Partner and I both work full time so we're currently trying to get DS to sit on the potty before nursery and before bedtime every day.

The problem seems to be that he doesn't seem to understand what we're asking him to do. He looks at us blankly and starts to chat about other things. I can't seem to keep him focused. When he gets up from the potty, we help him pull his trousers back up and he says 'all clean now'. He has never done anything in the potty.

Does anyone have any ideas as I can't see a way past this? I never really read about this issue.

I remember my son (autistic so a little more complicated) didn’t know what was expected of him either.

Until they’ve figured out how to wee on command, there’s no point even trying.

Once my son understood how to wee on command, the process was really quite simple.

I wouldn't give up if he is happy to sit on the potty op, its a good start. 2 of mine were afraid of it. Eventually he will produce something even if by accident and with lots of praise hopefully he will catch on. Good luck.

Similar to PP, we tried with our toddler at 2.5, she's pretty advanced in other ways so thought it would be a no brainer. No interest at all and she completely rejected it.

In the end we gave up and around her 3rd birthday she told us she didn't want to wear nappies anymore, skipped the potty and started using the toilet instead (with toddler step!). That's about 9 months ago and she has had two accidents since. With younger DS I won't be bothering about it until he shows interest!

I thought the book was great and it worked for my son but I will let you into a secret - my son was 3 and a half when I trained him.

And even then I still wasn't showing any signs of being ready but did atleast understand reward charts which is what helped us.

Honestly, I just don't think he's ready. Try again in 6 months. He'll have better language and you can try and talk him through it all a bit more effectively

The no more nappies book is good for sparking interest.

my son had a potty for ages but would never actually pee. Once he did one pee then the ball got rolling!

He doesn't sound ready. Try again in the summer when he can go without a nappy, just run around in underoos.

Has he ever seen you or his dad actually use the loo?

You need I watch him like a hawk and catch him when he’s ready to go. Even if you catch a drop and the majority is all over the floor go wild with excitement. Putting them on the potty when they’re not ready just teaches them to perch on the potty.

I'd advise skipping the potty when you do eventually start again.

Little boys are often motivated by 'target practice' - aiming at confetti or cheerios in the loo.

We tried with DC1 around the same age and he simply wasn't ready. We started again around his 3rd birthday and he nailed it.
Try again in a few months

I would say he’s just not ready yet ☺️ from experience boys take a little longer than girls, I would leave it completely for a couple of months even 4-6 months and then try again. Good luck 🤞