my son will be 4 in april and he still does not go potty. any ideas?

Answer 1

My grandson started pre-school 1 month before his 3rd birthday. He was not toilet trained, despite intensive efforts at home.
When he saw the other boys all running in to use the toilet, he finally decided that was for him too!!
I wouldn't worry too much if he has no other learning difficulties. Perhaps get him off to pre-school!!!

Answer 2

I have worked and potty trained children since I was basically a child. Most of the time the potty training will work if you don't make a big deal but I have also had to take away toys, t.v. if you let your child watch t.v. . This is the last resort ! This is when I know the child knows better. I also try to stick to a schedule like taking the children to the bathroom before we leave the house then when we get to the location. I also praise any siblings for going to the bathroom by themselves. One more thing you might try! is to reward you son with a sticker or candy for at least trying. Then a big toy if he stays dry for a week.

Answer 3

First let me ease your concerns------- Your son still falls into the normal range of age for potty training! Although it is at the far end of that.

Every child is different and some mature physically and mentally earlier or later than their age mates. Physically your son may not have the muscle control yet. He may not be emotionally ready. There is also the possiblity that this is a control issue.

This is one area besides eating that the child ultimatley has control over. If he is being pressured he may take longer.

I have six kids (3 of each) and my youngest boy was complelty potty trained at 3 1/2 yrs old.
His brothers were potty trained at 2 and just turned 3 years old.
All of my girls were trained by the end of 2 years. The advice below is exactly what I did with my youngest girl.

My advice to you is to relax, encourage (but not nag) your son to use the potty.
If you need to and are willing to deal with the extra laundry get rid of the diapers and pull ups. Throw them out together, just say it is time and let him put them in the trash or better yet give them to someone you know who has a baby, let him pick out his big boy underware.

Most importantly do not get angry or yell if there are accidents(there will be) just have him help clean himself up and wash the clothes or beddings. Let him know its is okay and you love him anyway but he has to clean up because he is a big boy.

If your son can not start pre-school because he is not potty trained (and he knows it) may also be a reason why------then again it could be an incentive for him. Like I said every child is different.

Answer 4

I had the same situation with my oldest son. There is no reason to believe there is anything medically wrong with your child. Most potty training methods assume the child minds being wet or soiled. Mine didn't! My son became completely potty trained in about a week when he was ready (shortly before turning 4). He is completely well-adjusted and perfectly normal. He was an exception to the general ideas of potty training & your son may be one too.

Most of the previous suggestions will not work if your child does not mind being wet or soiled. I heard & read all of the advice in the world - none of it worked for my son.

(My second son trained by age 2.)

Answer 5

You need a week of wet pants and floors. Refuse to put a diaper on and let him walk around naked if needed. He does know how to use the potty but doesn't want to because mom gives in and puts a diaper on. It's much easier then using a toilet. Let him be uncomfortable for a while. Do not change him right away. Tell him he could stay in wet clothes. Although it is difficult for the parents, I'm sure that in a few days or a week of this he will start using the toilet. Good Luck.

Answer 6

I'm a mom of two boys and a girl, all potty trained by age 2. There was no magic involved in achieving this.

Six words: NO MORE PAMPERS, NO MORE PULL UPS. Get him big boy underwear, and actually put them on him. Yes, there will be accidents but we as parents need to make this a priority and not just look for the quick solutions and easy answers to life's challenges. Lastly, be patient and consistent.

Best wishes and good luck.

Answer 7

When potty training my son we got Potty Training For Dummies. But the thing that worked the most was letting him pee on trees. He loved it!

Answer 8

Four is a little late for not being potty trained. Did you take him to the doctor to make sure that everything is okay. No bladder infections, sphincter problems, etc. He is old enough at this age, if there are no physical problems, to associate punishment with wetting his pants. Good luck.

There use to be a mattress pad that sounded an alarm when wet during the night. Ask your doctor about exercises to help him control his stream.

Answer 9

Its not uncommon for boys to be 4 when they potty train. Girls are more typically more mature than boys. Thats why they usually potty train much earlier. There are many ways to help him along though. The sticker charts, they have books for both you to read and books for both of you. I know alot of people let their boys run around naked in the house and they are usually more aware of their body parts and aware of urges. Another way is letting them teach their doll or teddy bear to go to the potty and then they may decide to go too. Good Luck!

Answer 10

I would definitely talk to your pediatrician. Then, put him in underwear and allow him to be responsible for changing himself when he has an accident. Have him change himself for bathroom accidents in the bathroom- so that this is different than getting dressed for the day. You can get wipes to help him do this- but don't help- you can offer advice but he needs to learn this skill. Model for him by verbalizing- when you need to go to the bathroom and then going. Have him go to the bathroom to "try" at scheduled times during the day- don't make this optional- this will help him begin to train his body.