Do you agree with using food rewards (such as m&ms) for potty training ?

Question

My son is 20 months old and pees every single time put him on the potty. He has been doing so since he was about 18 months old, however, he has lost interest in it over the last few weeks, and I am wondering if I should try a food reward. My babysitter mentioned it initially, and intially I disagreed (in my head-not outwardly) because I have food issues and don't know if it's a good idea. What is your experience with this and would you reccommend it?

Answer 1

I would just congradulate him when he goes potty in the toilet. Make him feel he is doing a good job and don't say anything when
he goes on himself.

Answer 2

Try a different kind of reward, like stickers. Or a chart that counts how many times he uses the potty, working up to a big prize. Like a trip to the park, or whatever. I personally think food rewards are the worse things you can do, but sometimes that's all that works. If you must use a food reward, use the chart approach, so they get a sticker for every toilet visit, and then after 10 visits, they get the food. That cuts down the idea of instant food gratification.

It's also VERY common for boys to lose interest in potty training. You've had a lot of success very young- most boys have a hard time before 2 years. So he might just need a break while he's developing in another area, and learning something new.

Answer 3

We did this thing we called "the treasure box" I got a little plastic box from wal-mart and just bought some cheap little toys and rewards to put in there. Everytime he used the potty he got a reward. My cousin used jelly beans but I personally do not believe that food should be a reward or a privilege. Food is food and children are not animals. That is just my belief if it works for some people then that's great but I used my little treasure box and he used to want to go on the potty so he can get something out of the box. Try it out if you want!! I think it was a great idea and worked for me!!

Answer 4

Boys are difficult to potty train. My 3 year old nephew would pee in the potty everywhere but at home and not poo anywhere but in his diapers. When he was ready he just started going better. Rewards are considered okay but not food rewards. They might cause eating disorders later.

Here's a link with some other ideas.

Answer 5

I say if it works, use it. You won't give him rewards for long for pottying. I mean, you won't be still giving him rewards a year from now for pottying. But if you prefer, try a different reward. Stickers worked well for us. Then after so many stickers, she got a prize.

At the same time, don't be discouraged if your son puts potty training off for a while. He's really young. Many children around 18 months are interested in pottying, but don't really become trained until a year or so later. Maybe you'll be one of the lucky ones, though. Good luck.

Answer 6

Food rewards, I would say is a bad idea. Unless it's healthy, but sweet rewards (a few honey-not cheerios, grapes, etc.) Kids don't need m&m's, and with the huge unslought of childhood obesity and childhood diabetes, it's really a bad idea to give your kids candy, soda, fast food and junk food on a regular basis. Limit the amount of bad food your child consumes- only you can prevent childhood obesity and diabetes. Just keep encouraging him and give him lots and lots of praise when he goes potty on the toilet. He'll get it.

Answer 7

there are other things you can do, you can paint a target in the bottom of the toilet bowl and make him pee on it, but those can lead to him trying to figure out where else he can pee..or another way is to put a cheerio in the toilet for him to pee at, this can also lead to "flushing toys and food" or chasing the cheerio and getting pee all over as well... I tried those techniques on both my boys when they were learning to use the potty, they were the suggestions and results for me... sorry I wasn't more help!

Answer 8

No. Don't use food and especially not candy. He will associate food with rewards, a very bad idea. Obese people see food as a reward. Read him a story, play a game with him, anything but food.

Answer 9

A better idea is to go to a store like Walmart and let him pick out his own big boy underwear, or do a sticker chart with his favorite cartoon characters. When the chart is full he gets a special treat, like going to the park or movies.

Answer 10

Go for it! We reward our son with playing video games when he poops on the potty.