I have a little situation with Colin that I was wondering if anyone had a brilliant idea to overcome. :)

Colin turned 3 just over a month ago. We’ve been long talking about potty training, but I’ve learned from experience (IMO :awink: ) that PTing is not something you can force until the child is ready. Until about 2 weeks ago, I have not thought him to be both physically and emotionally ready. But he’s a lot closer lately. He’s agreeing to wear underwear, will volunteer that he has to go and he’s had several successful experiences on the toilet. So we’re on the road. But we have many hills to still climb before he’s trained.

One of our biggest challenges right now is that we’ve been talking to him about diapers v. underwear. I had an idea months ago that I thought might resonate with and motivate him…to ask him if he wants to be a “big boy” like his brother Aidan or a “baby” like his brother Jack. His response: “I’m a little boy.” Well, you know…he has a point. Again and again he brings up this “little boy” objection, often unprompted.

Anyone have an idea on how to get him to drop this idea or explain to him little boys can use the bathroom too? I stick to my theory that you can’t PT until the kid is ready. But it doesn’t mean you can’t find wording to help get them ready, right? :updown:<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

Nothing comes to me off the top of my head, but I've got to say that Colin is one clever "little boy" for coming up with that one!

Colin sounds like a smart and sweet little boy!

I would just explain that he is a little boy but is growing into a bigger boy and when we get bigger we start wearing underwear and get rid of our diapers. Maybe tell him that being a big boy means he can do things that his little brother can not (and give examples).

I agree they have to be ready but if he's showing signs and you want to encourage, I'd just really play up any time he does use the potty or doesn't have an accident.

We are going through this too. Kaden will be 3 in May and there was a time when he was going to the potty for a few weeks then he decided he'd rather have his diaper changed. My mil is insisting on training him (without much luck) and I refuse to push him yet. He will pee sometime (mainly at night to get out of bed :rolleyes: ) but when he goes I do a happy dance and give him a high-5.

Thanks girls. :)

I should also add that as of a few weeks ago, we've come up with the concept of the "Diaper Fairy." The story goes that she is watching to see if he's ready or not to take away his diapers, and when she thinks he is ready, she'll be coming to take them away and that will be that. I have said to him a couple of times that the Diaper Fairy will know when he's ready to be a big boy instead of a little boy. He's totally buying the Diaper Fairy thing, but not so much her knowing if he's a big boy or a little boy. :dunno:

Diaper Fairy :lol: that's a great idea!

Maybe tell him he's a "little" big boy. :lol:

I'm gonna have to steal the Diaper Fairy trick :nod:

See if you can find a mall/store/restaurant/whatever that has a "family" bathroom with one of the child-sized toilets. (one of the outlet malls near us had it) Explain to him that it's a specially-made potty just the right size for LITTLE BOYS who are ready to not pee in diapers anymore. Naturally they aren't everywhere, so it's not a huge help, but Caroline was very intrigued at the idea of "my size potties" and was more willing to go if a place had one.


Anyone have an idea on how to get him to drop this idea or explain to him little boys can use the bathroom too? I stick to my theory that you can’t PT until the kid is ready. But it doesn’t mean you can’t find wording to help get them ready, right? :updown:<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

I think Jen has the right idea in illustrating to him that he actually IS a big boy like Aiden and give him examples of things he can do that Aiden does but that Jack cannot (of course, much loved activities are more helpful than those he could care less about...). :aok: Good luck!!!

Not a whole lot of ideas, but Ben (who's 3 years, 4 months) is convinced he's a little boy too. It was particularly bad around when he turned 3. He's the oldest and thinks adults are big boys, so I think that's the distinction for him. Good luck!

See if you can find a mall/store/restaurant/whatever that has a "family" bathroom with one of the child-sized toilets. (one of the outlet malls near us had it) Explain to him that it's a specially-made potty just the right size for LITTLE BOYS who are ready to not pee in diapers anymore. Naturally they aren't everywhere, so it's not a huge help, but Caroline was very intrigued at the idea of "my size potties" and was more willing to go if a place had one.I've only seen a few of these, like at the Children's Museum in Boston. Good thought though - can't hurt to try if we find one. :nod:

If the toilet is just too big for him, I've seen 'fold-n-go' potty seats that fit on top of the regular toilet for when you are out and about. I had one but never used it. They look like a good idea though and easily fit in a purse (in a plastic zipper bag) or diaper bag.

Just wanted to update in here. The day I posted this, I came home from work and Colin decided that he is indeed a big boy and wanted to stop wearing diapers. :dunno: and :woo: He yells "I'm a big boy, not a little boy!" several times a day. :lol:

He doesn't even want diapers for bed and has slept in underwear for 2 nights now and stayed dry. :aok:

:crossfing this is it!

Oh wow! I hope this is it for him! :crossfing

(we're doing naked boot camp right now and I'm hoping it clicks soon)

Oh shut up!! :lol: Congrats, but I'm *WAY* jealous!