Single dad - Toilet training advice needed?

Question

Can anyone give me some advice on how to potty train my little boy please? I have read other q's on here, but I need to know the basics.
He is aware when he is going & when he needs to go (when its seconds off!). My job is flexible, but involves us travelling quite a bit, so most of the books i've read that involve staying in for the week aren't practical. The only attempt so far we've had is that we went out for a walk in the woods (trying before we left) without a nappy, He let me know that he needed to go, but as we couldn't get home in time resulted in an accident.
This didn't bother him, but now I could do with some advice (especially for preventing accidents outdoors) - I dont really relish the thought of carrying his potty with us everywhere!
Any advice is very much appriciated.
Nick (and Josh).

Answer 1

They will do it when they are ready, my son just told me........


The trip in the woods was a good opportunity especially as you have a son, he could of just gone behind a bush......I have seen mums make there children bob in bushes over a kerb etc

When kids have got to go its now, so you have to improvise, honestly everyone understands, you can also get travel pottys which are light and will fit under the pram/stroller

My daughter is not interested in potty training and she is 2 and 2 months........But I look at it this way all children start school out of nappies and without dummys, bottles etc so it all comes together eventually

Good luck mate xxx

Answer 2

nick, been there and done that five times, and each child was different. Can you choose a long weekend or some other stretch of time when you are both together for a period of two or three days? It shouldn't take a week., and you don't need to take the potty absolutely everywhere. If he already has the idea, and knows when he wants to go, then you are halfway there. Taking him for a walk in the woods without a nappy is great, but if he has nowhere to "go" no wonder he had an accident. A folding or collapsible potty might be a better idea than trying to make the nearest loo. He will get the hang of it in a day or so. I trained my fourth child in one day on holiday. I did just as you did, took the nappy off and hoped. He held it in for HOURS, while I offered him the potty every half hour or so, he finally couldn't hold on any more and went in the potty. We all gave him a big cheer! And that was it. He just got it. The very best of luck

Answer 3

I was a single mum trying to teach my boy and it's hard, esp as I don't have a willy. You don't say how old your son is but if he's ready he'll take himself off to the potty without you having to constantly remind him.. Why don't you leave it a nother month or so and see what happens? A trick I used was to get a couple of potties and leave then around the house. Also buy him grownup pants and show him that you have something similar on and that he's turning into your little superhero. Constant praise is always good but don't bribe him - that's the worse thing you can do. You WILL have to take your potty with you everywhere for a few weeks but just remember that most other parents have been just where you are now, ignore any looks and concentrate on getting Josh to use the potty. There is also a fantastic book called the Princess and her Potty. I know obviously he's a boy but the book is great - honestly!

Good luck Nick, keep perservering and DO NOT give up.

Best wishes to you both,

Lucy

Answer 4

As a mom potty training a little boy was very difficult. So my sympathy first off. For my son we used Swedish fish (the gummy candy). If he peed in the potty he got 2 (one for each hand.) When he pooped he got to pick a candy from the store. It worked well because then it didn't matter where we were. He would go to get his treats. We never tried a little potty. (It was easier to carry treats than to carry a potty.) As far as outside goes... Trying before you left was great. If it didn't work don't give up. Just keep trying. If you know you are going to be going out in an hour then try to limit the amount you give him to drink for that time. My husband taught our son how to pee outside. (Which was great until he thought he could outside ANYWHERE). How old is your son? It sounds like he knows what to do, he just has to get the hang of it. Congrats on trying with a boy. It is difficult. And Great Job on being a single dad.

Answer 5

how old is he? My mum waited until my brother was 3 yrs old, which i thought was quite old, but then i saw the logic in it, because he was able to tell her when he needed to go, and so a lot of accidents were prevented.
Perhaps you should start by potty training him just while at home first, when he gets the hang of that, take him out, but only for a short time, and be prepared just in case!
then work on taking him out for longer without a nappy, and see how he goes with that, when he gets the hang of that try to put him to bed without a nappy- that should definitely be last, as it is the hardest and can also be done at leisure because you'll always be with him etc etc. Hope this is useful :) good luck!
let me know how it goes...

Answer 6

All kids are different and do things in their own time...how old is he? I potty trained my little boy starting from when he was two...he was pulling at his nappy like get this thing offa me....however he hated the potty and liked to go to the big loo...as this is where everyone else goes. When outdoors...shopping walking car etc the minute he tells you try to stop and just let him go nobody thinks anything of you for this and if they do they are just small minded. When indoors put little undies on him...keep asking him if he needs to go...if he wets his pants leave them on him for a while (1-2 mins) as they don't like to be wet..i know this sounds cruel but it works...keep trying it is tricky but i'm sure your doing a great job....it takes a while...x

Answer 7

You're doing everything right so far! He can tell you when he needs to go so thats the first step.
Leave him in nappies for now., try pull ups when you have time, such as in the evening. Let him have a go at using the loo or potty. Don't worry if he can't manage it in time.
Let your lad come with you when you use the loo and let him ask questions. He needs to learn to pee standing up. Get him one of those little steps and a loo seat that fits over the big one. After you go let him have a go.
He will gradually develop more control over his bladder and bowels and be able to hang on for longer. In the meantime don't stress, keep it lighthearted, and leave him in nappies.

Answer 8

I think that children have to develop in their own time, and parents need to not worry so much. There always seems to be a race as to which kids are out of nappies/walk etc first. If you dont fancy a potty you can buy portable versions like bags of silicone that soak up the wee and are easier to dispose of. He will start to use the loo when he's ready. Meanwhile I would praise him in a way that makes him feel really grown up when he does make it!

Answer 9

As your little boy is aware he needs to go,it shouldn't take a lot to get him to control himself.
First off,don't carry his potty with you,as he's only a young child,he can get away with` going ` just about anywhere,as long as he's not in full view of the public.
It's not going to be a 5 minute thing,it might take months,but don't be disheartened.
Actually,the best thing you can do,being both males,is let him watch you.It sounds disgusting and immoral,but it isn't.How else do you think he's going to learn.
You can also buy some travel urinals,usually in Boots and a lot of larger superstores.I don't know what age they start from though.

Answer 10

boys do take longer than girls anyway, but anytime you go to the toilet see if he needs to go, let him se how a guy does it, like the others say as well , try him when he outside behind a bush, just to get him used to being without a potty all the time, praise him when he does it too, so he doesnt feel worried when he goes to the toilet, even if he doesnt do anything at first just say well done, take each step at a time. Always take spare pants and trousers out with you, as you never know for accidents, dont scauld him for wetting hisself either. He will do it when he is ready. good luck xxx