We've been having similar problems as mommaofboys had as far as potty training goes. Maddox was really in the swing of things for a while, using the potty numerous times a day (he was still in diapers so he wasn't completely potty trained) and even getting excited to do so. Then he stopped. Just outright stopped. And now, with a new baby on the way, I assume regression will set in and I wonder if it's worth the effort right to try to push the issue or wait until after he's used to a new baby
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Marci says: I’m going to go out on a weird limb here (having followed your blog for a bit) and say that, yes, there probably are some regression issues. I’m also just going to toss out two ideas for you to consider since you, as dad, are with Maddox the most and because it seems that Maddox is the type of guy who “potties the go” quite a bit. #1. Role-model potty time. Not to get graphic (your house, your business) but even something as simple as, “Hey Maddox, Daddy has to go potty, do you need to go? I’ll race you!” <-This one STILL works in my house and E is 4. #2. I’d consider getting a transitional potty toilet seat because, honestly, I find that there is an ease and allure to using the “big” potty that the little chairs just can’t compete with.
I’m talking about something that looks a little like this:
We found one at Wal-mart for about $30 but they have fancy-schmancy ones on-line for around $50. That’s a kid-sized seat in between the lid and regular seat. They work great for us because our skinny butted boy was afraid he’d sink into the toilet but REFUSED to use his potty chair for anything but a step stool. It’s also great for transitioning (i.e. Kid 1 is ready for toilet, Kid 2 needs the potty).
Okay, so where was I? Role-modeling and basic equipment. Other than that, yeah, don’t force it and just try to be consistent. Set times throughout the day that he has to at least “try” to go and give him a jellybean or sticker for trying, 2 for going #1, and 3 for #2 (yeah, we did jellybeans for a while). Whatever motivates your kid. You just don’t want to get into potty wars or make it a scary or battle-of-wills sort of thing. Good luck!
Alison says: No advice from me, just chiming in that I’m in the same boat with Cormac, so I loved seeing Marci’s response. We used stickers for bribery..I mean rewarding… but after a while the novelty wore off, plus my mom & my sister who see Mac hardly ever (we all live in different states) send him a boatload of stickers for every holiday, and that kind of flooded the market. So I’ll start back up with jellybeans or the like. Thanks, Marci!
Dawn says: That is exactly what Rocco did. He was all hot to use the potty and then one day? No sir. Wasn't having it. I chose not to push the issue even though everyone and their brother kept telling me to. We still clapped our hands and made a big deal anytime we noticed him going (either in his diaper or when he peed on the floor) We sang 'WERE GOING POTTTTTYYYYYY GOING POTTTYYYYYY!' and jumped around like some damn morons. Vin started taking Rocco on his 'Morning Mission' and they sat on potties together and I honestly think seeing Daddy do it is what pushed Rocco over to the non diaper wearing side. I chose not to really try before Wednesdays birth BECAUSE I didnt want to have him regress. Rocco was only 18 months when she was born and he's 26 months now and I'd say the past 6 weeks hes been damn near trained. So: Dont push it. But pee in front of him. OH! We never got to use incentives other than the potty dance and song. I kind of forgot to and then...just didnt. GOOD LUCK!
