3.5 year old son still in nappies - Any advice please

[Melody231]

DS has been referred for SEN by the nursery. He’s speech delayed (talks more like a 2 year old) His speech and understanding has come on a lot recently so we have attempted potty training again. We tried at age 2 but no success. Today we’re starting toilet training, the signs are there in terms of able to pull trousers off, runs and hides when he’s done a poo. He just seem comfortable to sit in it without telling me. Today we’ve scrapped the nappies and stayed indoors, he’s wee’d on the floor twice. I’ve asked him regularly throughout the day “Do you need a wee” and he responds “No thanks”. Sitting on the toilet has been a bit hit and miss, sometimes he will sit but sometimes he will get really upset. I know I have to get him toilet trained before he starts school in September (mainstream school) It’s just so hard being indoors all day, with the possible SEN we are better being outdoors, swimming, walking etc. but I can’t carry on with these nappies anymore. I feel such a failure! I will carry it on today and until he’s back to nursery on the 6th of Jan. any advice would be greatly appreciated

Chocolate buttons, one for a wee, two for a poo and say nothing about accidents.

I probably would have had more than one try since he was 2 as well and maybe started on the first day he broke up from nursery to give a nice long run.

Is your heart in it?

If he has additional needs, especially autistic, then he could be late to potty train. My 16 year old son has only just become dry at night. He was 4 and a half when he became dry in the day.

Don't put too much pressure on him otherwise you'll put him off. Keep trying but if he's not getting the hang of it just be patient.

You can ask your GP or HV for a referral to the continence clinic if he still isn't there once he starts school. There may be a physical reason.