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Clueless82072 · Jun 2, 2009, 08:22 AM

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?

SailorMark · Jun 2, 2009, 08:23 AM

Easy, play the "Billy Mitchell" game. Billy Mitchell taught the army they can sink battleships with airplanes. Put an ice cube in the toilet and let him be the airplane pilot and have him try to sink the battleship. It worked on my son!

Clueless82072 · Jun 2, 2009, 08:25 AM

Wow, thanks for getting back to me so soon. I'll try it.

danielnoahsmommy · Jun 2, 2009, 08:26 AM

LET HIM WATCH HIS DaDDY DO IT STANDING UP! My so never sat down to pee only wanted to do it standing up... sorry I could not have been more of a help

Clueless82072 · Jun 2, 2009, 08:27 AM

The thing is, I am his daddy and he sees me doing it all the time.

danielnoahsmommy · Jun 2, 2009, 08:59 AM

I KNOW IT MAY SOUND STRANGE BUT... my husband and son would have pee races.to see who could finish first and they both would do it at the same time. Sorry it is gross but it worked

Clueless82072 · Jun 2, 2009, 09:21 AM

Sinking the battleship worked! Thanks sailorman, I appreciate it. Was about to try the race too!

stevetcg · Jun 2, 2009, 09:59 AM

Ring toss! Toss a handful of cheerios in the toilet and have him aim for the holes.

SailorMark · Jun 2, 2009, 10:14 AM

Any one of these will work. I am glad the battleship worked but next time it might not. Use the cheerios or the race so he doesn't get bored with it.

NeedKarma · Jun 2, 2009, 10:21 AM

Plus he's only 3, give him time, there's no rush.

Clueless82072 · Jun 2, 2009, 10:54 AM

Originally Posted by NeedKarma

Plus he's only 3, give him time, there's no rush.

There is a rush. His daycare won't 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 · Jun 2, 2009, 11:02 AM

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 · Jun 2, 2009, 11:19 AM

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 · Jun 2, 2009, 12:51 PM

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... :)