My son is 2 1/2 and we had started to potty train. He was really excited about it and was doing well. Then he had one bad episode - I don't know if he was just overly tired that day or had a hard time going but he freaked out on the toilet and will not try again. I gave him a little time (about 2 weeks) to kind of distract him from the episode but cannot get him motivated to try again.
We really praise him for trying or when he goes, we have tried keeping a sticker sheet on the fridge and told him if he receives 20 stickers he can pick out a small toy at the toy store...but still nothing. He went twice and has had two stickers since last week. Any ideas to get him motivated again? I am about ready to just put him in underwear and tell him no more diapers.
What has worked for you?
I think you might need a
I think you might need a bigger incentive, go from 20 stickers to 5 (you can raise it back up as he gets more into it), and then make the reward very specific. For one of my son's potty sticker rows, we got him a goldfish. Something that he really wants or enjoys, like a trip to the children's museum, a new CD, or a specific toy. If none of those fit the bill, how about breakfast for dinner, or skipping dinner and eating desert. I don't think kids this age understand very well the concept of choice like older kids do, I think they benefit from specifics.
Remember, no guilt, lots of love, everybody gets it eventually
I know it's tough, but I did
I know it's tough, but I did the naked thing and it seemed to really help him learn his body signals. Also, try reading some potty training books to him. My son really likes Everyone Poops and A Potty for Me. Does he like M&M's? I used those as incentive for the first 2 weeks along with the sticker chart and a small toy from target after 20 stickers. I also let my son take his potty chair anywhere that was cleanable in the house or outside which I think gave him more control over the situation. Hope it helps!
After a very TOUGH time
After a very TOUGH time trying to potty-train my youngest...I followed Dr. Phil's advice and she got a call from Santa! (aka Grandpa). She was thrilled and it was what finally WORKED!
Thanks for the tips...I will
Thanks for the tips...I will try to make them more immediate rewards and look for some books. We'll see how it goes.