Help!

[WigglyJigglee]

Seems we’ve tried everything to get our 3YO boy (3 in August) potty trained.

He never really showed signed of readiness. Made a few earlier attempts but other things got in the way and he didn’t seem ready. Have been trying consistently for over a month but doesn’t seem to be making any progress.

He will go on the potty and wee when prompted. There were a couple of days when he was taking him self to the potty, he’s even done poos on the potty. He’s dry at night. He’s not bothered by being wet or soiled. Stickers, rewards or consequences don’t seem to be working. I’ve kept him home from nursery this week and this is day 7 of giving it one last attempt - we’ve only left the house to do school runs for my eldest. We’ve watched the Ms Rachel potty training episode and other videos many times - nothing seems to be working. No SEND issues.

If you’ve been in a similar situation what’s worked for you?

Not really any great advice I'm afraid but just to say I feel your pain! Potty training is, so far, the worse part of parenting! I hated it. My eldest wasn't interested in learning at all.

I eventually got through to him at a parent and toddler/baby group. Where I just decided we were going out with no nappies at all, he wet himself 3 times at the playgroup, the third time I had no spare trousers left, it was also in an old church hall and I had to change him in this grotty toilet with what I think was mouse poo on the floor. He was in only pants and no socks, in winter for the last few minutes of the group, but it seemed to work! I didn't go back to nappies after that and we had hardly any accidents.

Also his younger brother got it instantly, mostly by watching his brother, so if this is your first, fingers crossed it'll be super easy with the 2nd!

Sorry just re read your post and he is not your first, mine were only 18months apart so the youngest copied a lot of the eldest in terms of personal development, he almost spoke before him too! But that's another story.

Solidarity. DD doesn’t give a 💩 either. Happily goes in the potty and her pants. We are 5 months in and she’s finally started saying she needs a wee most of the time herself, or at least saying yes if we ask and she happens to need one. Average 1 accident per day with us, 2 per day in nursery at the moment, but there has been peaks and troughs throughout. I can’t wait to stop cleaning potties it’s suffocating us. Don’t back down is my advice as it needs to be done. Other people may come and say wait until he’s ready which is fair enough, but I want the next year to ensure DD is properly trained for school, not last minute and still having accidents.

Good luck!

I appreciate the comments and solidarity.

Still no progress. I’ve decided to give it to Sunday (will be 11 days straight after months of trying) and go back to nappies and try again during half term. I find my self getting increasing frustrated with him and it’s not good for either of us.

Oh dear, it's so hard, and when you have to remain all sweet and kind and internally you're tearing your hair out! Have you got a health visitor you can talk to, they should have some decent advice?