How do I get my 4 year old son to use the potty?

Question

I've tried rewards, punishments, the stupid Dr Phil doll, letting him run around naked, putting him in underwear all day, NOTHING is working!!

Answer 1

4 is kind of old to not be potty trained, but punishing him for it is not the answer. Try having him sit on the potty after each meal or beverage he consumes. Consistency is the key.

Answer 2

Have him watch his daddy use the bathroom everyday *if his father is in his life. Otherwise whatever the situation may be,have one of your brothers or guy relatives to help him out, he will most likely learn quicker with another male showing him how its done.Everytime he pee-pee's on the floor or in his undies take him to the potty and have him there for a few minutes,i would say about 10 mins each time and explain to him "this is where u go potty" have him look in your eyes and not away from u as this will not teach him anything. At different intervals take him to the potty and have in sit or stand there for like 5 mins to give him the idea. And whenever u take him, even if he does not use it congratulate him for making an effort, when he does end up using it even if it just a little tinkle congratulate him even more and take him to the park,candy,computer time etc. Good Luck!

Answer 3

Quit bugging him about it. The more of an issue you make of it, the longer it will take. He'll do it when HE wants to - not you. As long as there is nothing physically wrong with him - and I assume you've discussed this with his pediatrician - it's now a battle of wills - and he's winning.
The minute you quit making a big deal about it, he'll realize he's lost that control - and, face it, nobody, not even a four year old, wants to sit around in wet pants all day.
Also, when he goes to pre-school, the other kids will shame him into it. Not the best way - but it does work.
Good Luck!!
(Mine was 3 and I was SOOOOOOOOOO embarrassed. I thought it was my fault and I was doing something wrong. One day he just put his underwear on and that was that.)

Answer 4

Every time you go potty, have your son sit on his potty too and a friend if that helps. The repetition will sink in after awhile. Tell him you have to go "pee pee" or whatever and that you use your potty. The you can offer a small inexpensive award when he really goes (and dance on your when he's not looking!!)

You can also read potty books applicable for boys at bedtime or story time. It helps him think about it.

Answer 5

Stop trying to train him for awhile. He is most likely tired of it. Stop for awhile then start up again in a couple weeks. Get him excited about it. Take him to the store and let him pick out his own big boy underwear. Let him pick out his own rewards so he's excited to get them. Praise him for using the potty but don't punish him for not going. It needs to seem like something he "gets" to do rather than something he "has" to do or he'll never learn.

Answer 6

You have to wait until he's ready, you can't force him. Try reading potty books to him every few days and tell him that big boys use the potty. The more you force it, the worse it will get so lay off!

Answer 7

There is a GREAT video available...."Its Potty Time" which does a fantastic job! I cant praise it enough. and lots of praise and attention when he does go helps alot.

Do not push him if he is not ready...it will definately back fire

Answer 8

i can help send him over to me and i will have him potty train in a day

Answer 9

flick the winkie and let him poo where he wants, a kick drum if possible....then soon u shall have ur 4 yearold(although 4 is a bit late to potty train "thats kinda creepy") and u have it........

Answer 10

TAKE HIM EVERY TIME YOU GO. LET HIM LOOK AT A STORY
BOOK.