Hi, I have a 3 year old son who I am having trouble teaching to use a toilet standing up. Any ideas how I should go about it?

Clueless82072

There is a rush. His daycare wont move him from the 2 year old room into the 3 year old room until he can use the potty without help and go at least 3 weeks without an accident at daycare (and one other thing I may need to ask a question about). This has to do with the number of helpers in his daycare class and state law. He is advanced in most areas and can read simple books and write out our names and address so I am just assuming that the problem is my ignorance about how to teach and motivate him.

SailorMark

Unfortunately (or fortunately depending upon your point of view) you have described a very smart young man and at his age with as much intellect as he has he will likely be unconcerned with the state rules as they apply to daycare centers as it will be beneath him and he has much more important things to think about. Give him time and don't give up.

NeedKarma

That's a pretty tough daycare, usually they don't care if a boy sits or stands as long as they "fly solo" so to speak. It's not you, kids are geared in a way that they will do it when they are ready. As parents we just offer them the opportunity, training and encouragement.

DoulaLC

I hope his preschool realizes that it is perfectly normal for some children not to be completely potty trained at 3 years old. The ratio of children to staff does often change when you move up to the three year old room.

However, since he has already shown you that he can do it, that is half the battle.

Keep praising him when he does so on his own. Keep any accidents matter of fact, but if you think they are partly due to him being lazy, be sure he assists in changing his clothes and cleaning up any mess (as much as is practical). Offer frequent reminders....sometimes they get too busy, or don't want to miss out on something, and wait too long...