| Author |
Message |
    
Amy Simmons (Unregistered Guest)
| | Posted on Sunday, July 09, 2006 - 11:13 am: | |
My 2.5 year old loves to go to the potty and has been potty training for months now. He will go to the potty on his own or tells us that he has to go as long as he is nude. If we put training pants, underwear or diapers on him, he immediately goes in them and doesn't say a word. We obviously can't take him everywhere naked. Are we putting too much faith in him? What should we do? |
Narmin Parpia
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 05:37 pm: | |
Amy,
The problem you are experiencing is not uncommon. There are couple things you
might want to consider:
1. Completely eliminate all diapers, including pull-ups in order to allow your
child to experience natural consequences. If your son wears clothing and the
results of urinating in his clothing is immediate wetness and discomfort every
time he goes, he will eventually make the decision to choose to stay dry and go
in the potty. If he wears diapers occasionally, he receives a mixed message - -
sometimes he can urinate and stay dry while other times he urinates and he is
uncomfortable. Consistency is important while training so stick with it. It’s
inconvenient, messy, and time consuming but it is worth it in the long run.
2. Implement logical consequences for your son’s behavior. As explained by Dr.
Phil McGraw in his book entitled Family First, you can use Tool 4,
Parenting with Currency.
Be sure you are using a reward system that utilizes his
currency to reinforce positive behavior. Potty charts and stickers work well
and are a visual way for your son to track his progress. And don’t forget to
use plenty of praise and encouragement.
3. You may also need to address consequences when your son exhibits undesired
behavior. If you are confident he has the physical ability to identify when he
has to go, and hold it until he gets to the potty, but he’s still having
accidents, he’s likely making a choice out of convenience and needs to learn
his choices carry consequences. Using the example of an accident occurring
while playing, explain to your son that even if he chooses not to take the time
to go potty, he’s still going to have to stop what he is doing to get cleaned
up, dressed, and sit on the potty (even if your son insists he doesn’t have to
go anymore).
4. Consider using (or returning to) the Potty Training in One Day Method. Each
time your son has an accident you will help clean him up and change, and then
practice going to and from the potty 9 times.
Give it a try and let us know how it goes.
Good luck!
Narmin |
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