Potty Training Issues - Parkville,MD

Hi L., you have a very smart 5 year old and it's very possible that he is trying to be on the same level as his two younger siblings. Try giving the big brother responsibility of showing the younger one's how they should potty and reward each attemp with some big boy treats; ( anything that he considers is for a big boy). Some one on one time with dad or a special outing with only him may be helpful as well as long as he promises to do a poop in the potty.

Hi Laua,

Your son has regressed from the birth of your new baby. Contact your local pediatrian. D.

Hi L.-

I agree with the other responders. I think you should have your pediatrician check out your son to make sure it's nothing medical, but it is probably jealousy related. I had the same problem with my 4 year old. I found that by making a chore chart and rewarding her it seemed to go away as she was jealous of the attention my younger son was getting for potty training and the rewards he was getting. It really may be an attention getter.

Good Luck!
L.

hi L.,

i think something else is up with him. is he mad about something for this is a defiant reaction. i think just before you put his pj.s on there needs to be a bathroom time and let it be relaxing for him by himself. after he is done, then dress him. if it continues i would ask your pediatrician.

also was there a change in your lives or his at the age of 3? who was watching him? did they not like changing poopy diapers and reprimanded him for pooping?

also pray over him, for God to heal whatever is going on with him and ask for this in Jesus' name. amen...

best wishes, L.

L.-

If you haven't already been to your pediatrician, you should go ASAP! My son had the same problem and it turned out to be a bowel impaction. The condition is not serious so don't panic. It can however lead to loss of sensation so your son may truly not know he has to go. The good news is, it can be cured. The bad news is, it takes a long time to get back to normal. The condition is much more common in boys. My pediatrican says it is more common in bright, determined children who like to control their environment. Smile and know you are definitely not alone on this one!!!

Hi L.,
I have two sons and two grandchildren (one 3 years and the other 11 months). With my boys and the grandchildren, I found that I had to pay close attention to what's going on with each of them. You are likely very busy especially with a 3 month old and a 3 year old. You've got to find the time to really see what's happening. Various things could be going on (jealousy, need more attention, some fear brought on by something that happened or was said,...). Several months after the 11 month old was born, the 3 year old decided that she didn't need to use the potty and went back to using her pull up. She was a little jealous of the baby and needed a little more attention. We began emphasizing to her that it was not okay to use the pullup and began really praising (high fives, hugs, and kisses) her when she used the toilet. We let her see our disappointment when she didn't (sad face) and encourage her. She began using the toilet and coming all excited to report that she had done so. We also did things to help her be a part of what we needed to do for the baby. Now she's in regular underwear and becoming the "big sister" for her baby brother. With my older son, when he started potty training he would have an accident sometimes and didn't seem to mind that he was wet. One time, I didn't change him immediately and let him know that he couldn't sit on me or the sofa or whatever so that he could see that it means more than he is wet and needs to be changed. After that he had no more problems paying attention. That worked for him. I don't have an answer to the problem. You have to discover what's going on with your son and what will work best for him.
Best wishes
E.

I'm having the same problem with my 3 year old. We're fairly certain that it a jealousy issue with our 15 month old, but have no idea how to stop it. We reassure and give her lots of positive attention for being a big girl. We've tried M&Ms. But, nothing lasts long. So, if you find something that works, please let me know, too. :)

I have a 4 year old son who started doing the same thing recently. He couldn't give me a reason why, and also didn't seem all that bothered by it. I made him a special chart, and every day he went on the toilet he got a sticker, and for every 5 stickers a larger reward (a small item, like a coloring book - nothing too pricey!) Three weeks (really it only took a week) later he was over it and completely back to using the toilet. I know it was some emotional issues (I returned to work very briefly full time - huge mistake) that started it, but it was fairly easily rectified with the positive reinforcement. Good luck!

I had that problem until I put my son a schedule and stick to it.