potty training

[Guest guest]

I find taking a relaxed attitude about potty training (and bathroom use)

works best for us. My kids have always walked in and out of the bathroom

while I was using it, and even with my poor dh, who wasn't quite as

comfortable with it. They have peered at us, and taken more interest in

what was going on that I'd like, but I have never set out to potty train

any one of my eight kids. They've all done it on their own, when ready.

I've also allowed them to run around naked when they've chosen to, it seems

that it is easier for them to " catch " themselves and make it to the

bathroom in time. I realize that having them in school makes it more

difficult to allow them to train themselves, but I would suggest that when

you have him to yourself for perhaps the summer, that you try a natural

approach. I don't know where your ds is, in terms of being aware of his

body and realizing the sensation of needing to go, or if he is yet

fascinated by watching the stream, (this is where watching dh came in so

nicely). There is a progression toward potty training. My kids have always

been naked in our backyard during summer months, in and out of kiddy pools.

So discovering their bodies have happened easily and naturally. I have to

add, pull-ups and modern diapers makes it more difficult for them to

realize when they've just wet themselves and so takes longer to discover

this aspect of the body.

I can only speak for myself and my experience, but after having eight

children potty trained (my two and a half year old just went through this)

and each with their own strengths and weaknesses, it does seem that this

approach should work for most other children. And, in case there is some

concern, they all have become normally conscientious of their bodies and

nudity somewhere between five and seven.

Lolita

> " Is there anyone who has found a book or resource that is valuable to help

>with potty training? We are having " catch " success, but no self initiated

>success. is 3 1/3 years, PDD, and ADHD. He is still in pullups

>due to the frequency of misses and the fact that he is in school. We've

>tried regular undies (didn't matter), undies with pullups (didn't matter)

>and now just pullups (doesn't matter). ONly thing that works is catching it

>on a regular schedule. If we travel and miss a time, it is a real hit or

>miss as to whether he's wet or dry. Please respond to me directly at

>ricklynn@... . Thanks. "