How long before I have to stop asking/reminding?

[FlopemOut]

DS (2yrs 8ms) started showing a keen interest in potty 2 weeks ago, so I've been taking his nappy off in the afternoon and using potty. He's done really well and generally takes himself to the potty about 33% of the time. However, I have to prompt him a lot. On Saturday, we decided to go nappy-free and he's really keen on this.

I think he's doing really well, but wondered how long will it be before he takes himself, or tells me he needs a wee? I feel like I'm asking him every 10 minutes and I worry that it may have a negative effect due to nagging!

Any tips/advice welcome.

My DS is 4.5 and still needs to be reminded/nagged, though he's been completely trained from 3 and can go by himself. I never really understood friends who expect their DC to know when they want to go as soon as they start PT. I've just always taken DS to the toilet whenever I go, also always before going out, before meals (so he washes his hands too) and before bedtime. So I don't nag every 10 mins but there is a routine and set times when he always goes which I think helps him not to have accidents.

Great. I wasn't expecting him to get it in 3 days, I just wanted to make sure that nagging was the right approach. I like the idea of set times - that will help me remember too as I've got a 3 month old DD to distract me too. Thanks

I still have to nagg my 9 yo to make sure he goes to the loo before we set out anywhere

I think I'll be reminding them till they leave home

I'd suggest reminding him less if he's showing signs of stress over it (plus it will help him to start getting the hang of working it out for himself) but continue to remind him when it's important to you, e.g. before going out.

i.e. if he doesn't want you to keep telling him, he'll probably let you know!

I wonder if setting an egg timer for every 20 minutes or so is a good idea? At least then it won't be me nagging him, but an inanimate object.

Don't ask, just sit him on it.

As for how ong - I still get mine to go before we go out, and they're 8 and 10

Acanthus - I like the sound of that "just do it" approach; I'm obviously over-complicating it. Must be my sleep deprived fog again.

I would really try and avoid asking him too much - it will annoy him! Leave it. If he hasn't been to the loo after about 2 hrs then take him (if you want to give him a choice then let it be as to whether he goes on potty or loo, or which book he wants to read while he's sitting - not whether or not it's time to go). 20 mins seems way too often. Could you do a whole day without asking him at all? You'll then see two things: (i) whether or not he will actually ask you; and (ii) even if he doesn't ask you and has accidents then how often he actually wees (my girls went about 3 hours between wees generally). When potty training my two I'd say the first week was lots of accidents all over the place, the next 2 or 3 weeks were constant taking to the loo every couple of hours (and few accidents as I had control of it) and then there is a stage when you stop asking and maybe have a slight increase of accidents again while they take control of when they want to go.

Well we are in to our second week now. I am asking no more than once an hour and we've had no accidents since last week. He is also dry at night for most of the time which I am amazed by. Thanks for all the tips.

Hi

I have similar problems I think I ask too much but scared if I do not ask there will be accidents. How is it going with you now?

I think my asking is annoying him but I also have another issue in that he will no use a potty at nursery ie he goes 3 full days!

Any advice?

Elliejane - I am having similar issues as you. Have only just started PT - my DD is 2.2 years. We are on day 6 and today I am trying to get her to tell me rather than me reminding her at regular intervals. After Day 2, we had very few accidents because I had learnt to recognise the signs and timings. But now I want her to tell me when. Long story short, today has not gone well - we have had quite a few accidents. I am trying to persevere with this so that she understands when she needs to go and tells me. Will let you know how I go.

On your other thing, I also had the same problem. I started DD on toilet seat (never used potty). She was ok to go at home but screamed uncontrollably at nursery (also goes 3 full days). We stopped for a while and then restarted after 3 months. She still screamed but I asked the careworker to carry on regardless and make her sit (after she had to get used to the toilets there..)even if she was screaming. After a week or so, she got used to the toilet there and was doing 1 or 2 wees in them during the day (this was at preparation stage).

Hope this helps..