Potty Training and Preschool

JB,

I agree that you should be up front with the school staff. Although I'm sure they've seen it all, I'd hate to be "that parent" that lies about potty training, only to create a big hassle for them when they have so many other kids to deal with. I don't think anyone expects your son to be perfect, but if he's wetting himself daily or needing to be reminded all the time to be successful, then I don't think that's what schools would call "potty trained". Sure, I think WE do as Moms. But would you like 15 other kids over at your house for a party with no mom's there who were "potty trained" like your son is??? Just pointing out that creates A LOT of extra work for already overworked teachers.

As far as what you can do for your son, what about "naked time". We did summer potty training with our kids. I intentionally kept them outside, loaded them up with fluids and we only wore bathing suits or cloth underpants or shorts with elastic with no underpants. I kept the potty chair on the deck (in the shade and out of neighbor's sights). This made potty training a breeze. My kids HATED being wet and clean up was simple - just hose them down. They quickly get the idea that "if I just pee in my pants" it's yucky, runs down their legs and overall just feels gross. Every time they went on the potty (without having to be reminded or told), they "won" a sucker, Popsicle, etc. Personally, I think the "naked time" approach is phenomenal - especially for those reluctant to go on their own all the time.

Good luck.

Well, I think at most schools the kids have to be COMPLETELY potty trained. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Our 4 year old will be starting preschool for the first time this fall because of the same issue last summer. He just wasn't completely potty trained. The school said we'd have to wait... You should call the school and ask about this. Different schools probably have different requirements...

Your best bet is to talk to someone at the school if you can. The preschool my kids go to allow pull ups if they are still working on potty training but if they poop you usually have to come change them(some schools don't have the licensing to change diapers). Also alot can happen in two months!

You still have a little over a month before he goes to the school. Keep working with him -- put a sticker where he is supposed to pee. Also, don't help him with his pants, let him do it by himself.

Happy Huskies (Arlington Heights) worked with us with the pull ups when our son was not consistent. Although they are only a few hours a day and you need to be flexible because they work around the school schedule. We brought it up to the head teacher and she said that it wouldn't be a problem and that most kids who are on the brink really have a break through when they see the other kids doing it on the little toilets. I do believe though that if you child does go during school that he/she would have to wear the soiled diaper until you pick them up. They may call if you request...or just deal with it for an hour. Good luck. PS Be careful teaching the boy sitting down. We did that with my first and he was SOOOO hard to break of the habit. My second transitioned fine. I guess it's all in the child's personality...

I haven't potty trained a boy yet, but my husband has already mentioned that (when the time comes) we should teach our son to pee sitting down...and potty train him completely before we teach him to pee while standing. Do you think this would help at all?

You need to check with the school. The preschools in my area would not allow him to attend unless he was fully potty trained. My son got potty trained about 1 week before preschool happened. He really wanted to go, so that helped.

You said he was going to be 3 at the end of the month. If I read it right and it is July, you may get pressure to hold him back for kindergarten. Many schools encourage parents to "give the gift of an extra year" and wait for boys who have summer birthdays. Maybe you haven't thought about it, but as a mom of all boys, be ready for that talk.

If you've already figured on that route, maybe starting preschool later is not that big of a deal.

Sorry if I rambled a bit there. Thought I would point out an angle that I didn't see from other Moms.