Stubburn 2.5 Year Old Boy Potty Training at Home

When potty training my son, I took one square of toilet paper and placed it in the toilet. Then I took him into the bathroom and showed him the toilet paper in the bowl and said, "Hey! Do you think you could hit that??" It became a game for him and he quickly was through with diapers (we didn't have Pull-ups back then).

Hey C.,

I had similar issues with all three of mine. How is training different with the sitter? What I did was eliminate pull ups. Cloth training underwear seemed to help them understand that diapers were a thing of the past. Then, when we came home I put them on the toilet every twenty minutes, whether they had to go or not. After a couple of days we had no more accidents and they knew that it was going to be the same no matter where they were.

I hope you find some peace with this,

C.

He may not be fully ready. My Dr. told me to stop training for 2 months then begin for scratch again. It was an amazing relief to my son although 2 months sounded like eternity at the time. However, 2 months later he learned within a couple days! Just my story, everyone is different. Hang in there!

I would just be guessing, but it sounds like he is looking for a little one on one mommy time. If he's ok for the daycare and just has accidents when you are around...it may be his way of saying, "I missed you and want to have your undivided attention!"

I don't know what your routine is when you get home, but maybe you could talk about it while you're in the car on the way home. Tell him that you really need his help with...whatever you need to do...making dinner or starting a load of laundry. Ask if he wants to help. Maybe tell him how much you missed him while you were away and that you would really like to sit down and read a book right when you get home. If he has an accident (count to ten and say in your most loving voice) say, "We'll have to wait to read our book until we get you cleaned up!" or whatever fits with your situation and his personality.

Good luck. I'm sure it's no picnic being a working mom. I can imagine that you'd like to sit down and rest when you get home. Just try to remember that until our little one's know how to say it in words, they have to come up with some other way to communicate with us! I'm sure you two will figure it out!

Have you talked to your day care about this? Maybe they could tell you the type of routine they use and you could do the same thing at home?

I would say, make him go potty before you leave the day care. Then take him potty about once an hour from the time you get home until bed time. If you let him wear pull ups don't expect him to use the potty. Why should he?

Maybe you are pushing too hard and he isn't ready?

If you are bent on doing this then you need to stop putting him in pull ups and deal with the accidents. But that can be tough. Trust me, my oldest son was 3yr 3mo. before he was fully potty trained. And the trick that finally worked was.... waiting for him to be ready! :) Hang in there. He will get it, they all do eventually.

I try to tell everyone about the book Toilet Training in Less Than a Day. It's kind of a pain to read (it's by the researchers who developed the plan), but the last part of the book describes a mother actually doing the training, so if you followed all the steps that she does, then it would be just as good. Since he's practically trained already, it would be pretty easy. In trying to remember from the book (which is available on amazon.com, new or used - which worked well on my 2-year-old) you remove all distractions (the family, just for an hour or two, maybe on a Saturday morning) and gather together his favorite snacks, treats and drinks, along with a doll that pees, and loose fitting training pants/underwear. Teach him the difference between wet and dry. Teach him to wipe and wash his hands. Have him "teach" the doll how to use the potty (and wipe and wash hands). Cause the doll to have an accident (when he's not looking), and scold her accordingly, and let him do the same ("no, Dolly, you are supposed to go in the potty..."). Give him 8 ounces per hour of his favorite drinks like orange soda or koolaid or whatever he likes (it's just for this session, so it won't hurt him). Give him a treat when he uses the potty (which he will need to frequently when he's drinking that much). Salty treats are good to get him thirsty, and keep pushing the drinks. Teach him how to get his pants (loose fitting!) up and down with two hands, and how to get up on the toilet himself (with a stool if he needs) or how to use a potty seat. They are perfectly able to do this, just teach them how, and have him teach the doll so she pees in the potty. Then check his pants every few minutes to start to see if they are dry, and reward with treats and more drinks. Have him feel his pants to see if they are dry. Tell him how proud his favorite characters will be (big bird, spiderman, the mail man, grandma, etc. - and maybe even have spiderman call to tell him how proud he is of him). Refer to those people/characters occasionally throughout the training. When he has an accident (it's best to do the training in the kitchen or somewhere not on carpet), be horrified and let him know that's not ok. Then take him by the hand from where the accident happened and run to the potty! Tell him when he needs to go he must run fast so he doesn't have an accident. Run back and forth to the potty 10 times from that location, and then every time he has an accident do the same thing (10 times), then have HIM clean up the mess! Have him remove the wet pants and give him paper towels or whatever to clean the floor. This is important and puts the responsibility on him. Continue checking his pants for dryness, and start rewarding him (a gummy bear, or chip or pretzel or whatever he likes, and drinks) for having dry pants (instead of for going to the potty).

Pooing in the potty followed the urine training naturally for my son. He's been potty trained for 3 months now, and does it all himself (he is now 30 months).

I may have forgotten some steps, so I recommend the book. It worked, and I believe it is the same system Dr Phil uses. Good luck!

I have 4 children (two 15 y.o. boys; one 10 y.o boy and one 2 y.o. girl). All my kids have always behaved so much better for other people than they did at home and I think that's the case for most families, so don't think there is anything wrong with you since your child doesn't want to behave in this area for you.

With all three of our boys, we waited until they were 3 before we even started. They may have been ready before that, but we wanted to make sure. Usually if you wait until they are ready, it's not as difficult. I've read that a way to determine if they are ready, is if they have consistently dry diapers in the morning when they wake up. But you might feel they are ready before that. Boys are not usually ready as soon as girls are. I'm not claiming to be the expert on potty training, but with our boys, we were able to get them potty trained in a day. Here's what we did: About a week before "the big day" we started preparing the boys about the upcoming day. We bought them their own really cool underwear with Spider Man or someone important like that on them and told them that next Saturday we were going to start wearing them. We talked about it a lot with them and made it seem like a really exciting upcoming event. Then when we got to the "big day" we told them that we were completely done with diapers. We are putting them away and getting out the really cool big boy underwear. Then we gave them a bunch of juice or whatever their favorite drink was at the time and took them to the bathroom every 15 minutes or so that first day. Everytime they would pee even a little bit, they would get an M&M. We just kept assuring them that this was the last time they were ever going to wear diapers. By the time the day was done, they were potty trained. We were wondering if they would stay dry that night too and they did and they never looked back. We did not transition from diapers to pull ups or anything. We just went straight to underwear. I have been told that if a child pee's in their underwear, they won't like the way it feels in the underwear and won't want to do it again. The pull-up is too much like a diaper and doesn't really help with the potty training process. I am not saying this will work with every child and bed wetting is another issue all together. But for children in a stable home where there isn't a ton of stress (like parents divorcing, fighting or other family problems) that cause children stress, this should work.

Okay- so what should you do? Maybe you should just put him back in diapers for daycare and for home and start over. Is there anyway that you can take a few days off of work just to gain some consistency with him? Maybe you could stay home Wed. - Friday and the weekend. That would give you 5 days. Then maybe wait until he is 3 and do what we did above on his 3rd birthday or some special day. Make it a really positive, "you're a big boy, not a baby anymore now! Whoo hoo!" Don't worry if he accidentally pee's in his underwear. Don't think you have to go back to pull-ups or diapers. Stand your ground and communicate to him that we aren't going back. You're the mom. You get to make that decision. Don't forget that. If he pee's in his underwear it's going to be really uncomfortable. I know it's a hassle for you because you have to clean it up off the floor, sheets, carpet, etc. but he needs to know that you are standing your ground and we aren't going back. He's no longer a baby. Don't ever make him feel ashamed or stupid for peeing in his pants. Just say "Uh Oh! We had an accident, let's try again." It's my opinion that he is just testing you to see if you are really serious about this.

There is an old book (it's the one we read) called Potty Training in a Day. I can't remember the author but I noticed there were a few books with the similar name on Amazon.

I hope this helps. JK

I think you're doing great. Just a few adjustments might be in order. First of all don't stress about how he is at day-care compared to home. He is obviously having some emotional issues. Since we don't really know what they are, just take things in stride. 1) Do not reward him for using the bathroom. 2) Ask him if he needs to go to the bathroom sometimes, but not all the time. 3) Never force him to go to sit on the toilet.

Try to remember this, your son is a "person," every person needs to feel in control of their lives in one way or another. This is difficult for children because they are so dependent. So, if you just leave him in his training pants, then let him decide when he's ready to use the bathroom, he'll feel like it was something he decided to do and he'll be happy that he has some "say" in his life.

When you do have to change him be HAPPY, that is so important, don't let him see that you are frustrated with his decisions; Accept them.

Greetings,
I worked in early childhood development for over 25 plus years, also a Mother of three, and was a director of an early childhood development center for 6 years- I am now retired:)
Early research tells us that in general, boys have a higher stress level when in child care, away from their mothers than girls (generally speaking). You are doing the right thing by not forcing him go to the toilet. I would avoid having any type of treats as a reward as this is giving him the idea that food is a reward and there are so many other healthy ways to reward such as a loving hug, kiss, praise, clapping your hands in delight with accomplishments, stickers, playing together (blowing bubbles together) or just snuggling up together with an age appropriate book.
My guess is that your son is trying to tell you that he wants more quality time with you-Try this: After picking up you son from daycare and go home & plan to at spend at least 1 hour giving him your undivided attention ( he may initially need more time) -this is his time, love him play with him, what ever you do make sure he knows that he is special and loved (boys need this)while you are doing this your husband can pot your dinner in the oven and then join in on the attention giving the 6 year old and 10 year old can help daddy:) commit to this for at least a week- my guess is that once your initial time is spent on the one on one attention your son will need less and less as he feels more and more secure his emotional needs will be met and then you will be able to work on the potty stuff a lot easier after his safety and emotional needs have been met. Your doing a great job Mom! keep it up.

Sometimes just listening and watching your child without asking anything of him can yield a wealth of information. None of my kids potty trained until they were 3, and then they did it with ease. Everyone has their own timing, and your son's may be a bit later than other kids.

If there is an hourly fuss about going to the potty, he's not learning to listen to and honor his own body. Instead he's listening to the advice of others. You might want to reinforce his own ability to pay attention to his needs by offering the space to learn without any pressure. I found that thinking about the underlying lessons-about-life my child was learning usually helped me cut through the confusion of "professional advice" which was often contradictory.

Just some thoughts from one ever-learning mom to another.

keep him in pull ups at home and tell him to "be sure to tell mommy when you're ready" he clearly doesn't like being forced to pee every hour.

Hi C...... I'm new to this site but have been a mommy for 10yrs and I have a 4yr old son as well. I'm not sure if you've gotten any advice yet? Here is mine though having gone through a very similar problem with my son.
Your little man is starting to understand that he is a seperate person from you. This is the age they start to understand they have independence and of course being in daycare moves that along a little quicker..(I think anyway) With that being said, its obvious he could go on the potty chair at home if he wanted too, but....he doesn't. He is not ready to be a big boy, at home yet! He wants to be the baby and more specifically, YOUR baby! At daycare he is seen and treated as a big boy who has independence and who goes potty the same! I'm not saying you treat him like a baby (please dont misunderstand) Fact is at daycare, children mimic each other...so if there is a super cool kid that your child likes to looks up too, he will mimic...even going to the potty! Plus he gets so much praise for doing so.

How to overcome this problem that worked for me is.....put a potty chair in 3 rooms, the living room, outside his bedroom door and someplace around the kitchen area (I know it sounds unsanitary) but....this is really important! Then get a few sheets of stickers and some poster board paper for two rooms. Make a graph with his name in bold on top, then each day of the week, starting with sunday going down the left margin and finally and hourly box going across the top of paper for the hours you are home. Put one in the bathroom and one as you walk into the house.
Now I know this seems like alot of work....and it kinda is! But....it will only take about 2weeks total if your consistant with this system, and you can get extra potty chairs at a thrift store or consignment shop. You can buy the stickers and poster board 3 for a $1.oo at the dollar store.
ok last but not least....if you do decide to try this.....give your little man lots of praise and hi-fives. Make sure everyone in your home acknowledges his achievements as well as anyone who is consistantly over to your house...friends and family. Big boy this and Big boy that....oh and at the end of a week he gets a big boy potty toy....lol I know this sounds funny and weird but it works.
GOOD LUCK

I have four boys ages 6, 4, 2 1/2, and 10 months. It sounds to me like you son knows how to go potty properly, but when he's with you he knows that you will take care of any mess he makes. Both my oldest tried to pull this same sort of game with me. So I finally told them that if they had an accident then thier legs and bottom were dirty and needed to be washed. But the kicker was that I would only use cold water to rinse off their lower 1/2. They both quite REALLY quick after they realized I ment business.
I think it's a bit ridiculous to put potty chairs all over the house when a normal functioning person knows (and is expected) to go into the bathroom when they feel the urge. Also don't reward him for GOING potty, reward him for STAYING DRY. That goes back to the premise that everyone is expected to go potty, so staying dry would be the rewardable outcome of doing what is expected.
Before starting with the cold water thing, talk with him and tell him what you are thinking and why he needs to stop his behavior. Give a grace period between telling him what you are going to start doing and actually following thru, ie. tell him in the evening sot hat he knows what will happen the next day.
One more thing, I never started with my boys until they were 3, at least. Boys usually just aren't ready aw early as girls. And if your son isn't ready it just means frustration for everyone at home!
Good luck...

We are going through something similar - my son uses the toilet when he poops but has accidents when he pees or uses a diaper/pull-up. It has been helpful for me to remember that many children - boys especially - take a bit longer (3 and a half is not uncommon). We are trying not to worry about it (no pressure on him) and know that he will figure it out eventually. A friend's 3.5 year old was still not using the potty and when the weather got warm enough, they spent a lot of time outside "naked" (the kid, not the parents!) and after a bit, she had figured it all out. On the rewards - I have heard that using candy or some other reward can back-fire (child recognizes that this must be really important to you to garner a reward, and especially as they are pushing for more autonomy, may be less inclined to use the potty if its something you so much want them to do) -- we have always just talked about what a big boy our son is getting to be now that he is using the potty and left it at that. The last idea is that (especially since he likes to lie down and have you "change" him), I wonder if that is his way of asking for more connection, caregiving, cuddle time with you? 2.5 year olds are well on their way toward greater independence, yet they still very much rely on that secure base of their parents. Hope those thoughts help!

Frustrating!

He may feel very stressed by the potty training at daycare and just wants to relax at home. This may be why there is such a difference. You could let him potty train at daycare and let him be in pull ups at home until he feels more relaxed and comfortable with the idea.

You could also refuse to change his wet clothes for a while. Peeing in his clothes doesn't bother him because you are cleaning him up right away. If you leave him wet, it'll be a lot less appealing next time. It may even itch or sting, so next time he needs to go and decides the potty is too much trouble, he'll think twice.

Hi Cory,

My name is Diane and I have a little girl who will also be 3 in July. I feel like we are just on the other side of the potty training mountain as of about a month ago. My problem was that she would be fine at home, never have an accident, but never want to go at daycare (she was only there 3 days per week). We would talk about it in the morning, you know, being a big girl at daycare just like home. No luck. She had the same behavior there that your son has at home. I talked to my pediatrician about it at a check up for my 10 year old. Her exact words were, "With children you must pick your battles, and if you choose potty training as one of them, you will always lose." She explained that at a time when little ones are realizing that they are their own person and in control of their own mind, they like to experiment with that control. I completely dropped the whole thing. If Raygan asked me to go with her to the potty I would, but I simply quit bringing it up. She came around on her own within a couple weeks. I think because it was on her terms. (she is a very stubborn independant little cutie for sure)

Every kid is different, I hope this helps.

I think this is just his way to tell you how much he had miss you and that he wants your attention. Don't make a "big deal" and it will go away. Just assure him that you love him no matter what and let him know how much you missed him too while he was at the day care. EVERY DAY!

It sounds like you have a power struggle on your hands. It may be that he wants to be a "big kid" at school and a baby at home. There is nothing wrong with that, he may just need more nurturing support at home for awhile. I'd still do what your doing but drop your agenda and frustration and let him be in charge. He'll get it. My 3 1/2 year old daughter didn't get potty training all figured out until she was well into her 3rd year. I was concerned, but sure enough she got it. Keep the end goal in mind - you want a strong, supportive relationship where your kid feels he can count on you - let the potty training come second. Good Luck.

First - Don't given in to the pull ups - Part of potty training is training the parents.
Second - go buy a lot of underwear - silly underwear - super hero underwear -what ever you find, because your going to need back up. Part of potty training a power thing - you know, the "who's in charge" bit. Your 'little' boy has to be "BIG" at the daycare, but at home he reverts back to being little.
And Third - move the candy. It's a bathroom not a snack bar.

But last don't forget boys are a little bit slower then girls and there's a lot going on - more then we grownup can comprehend.

Did you just start sending him to daycare? Maybe he is regressing because he misses you and wants your attention. Surely he can change his own pants if you give him the clothes, right? Maybe if you have him change his own pants, he won't be as interrested in wetting his pants. Don't give him the extra attention for wetting, but make a really big deal when he stays dry. When he won't go on the pot, offer him some attention afterward, like tell him after he pees in the potty you will read him a book. Hope this helps.

It can be very challenging and confusing to figure out why this is happening. They certainly have more pressure to conform when they are in a group setting which can be a big bonus in this case. I am a physician and mom of 2 boys and most boys don't potty train fully until 3 years old anyway. Don't act like you personally have so much invested in his going on the potty. 2 to 3 is a time when children are learning to be independent yet often still have moments when they still want to be a baby. My guess is that when you get home at 5 you are busy getting dinner together and homework done with the other 2 kids. This is probably also a subconscious way to get more attention. try walking in the door grabbing his favorite book, asking him to go potty, then telling him you can read together for 15 minutes. It will be great focused mommy time after a day away from you.

Finally get rid of the m&m's in the bathroom, not hygienic to have food in there, plus chocolate and artificial colors can be major bladder irritants to a sensitive little bladder

good luck and be patient, he is still very young

When I was potty training my children, I started using regular underwear and the plastic liners that go over diapers. My kids did not like feeling wet. I would use pull ups at night only. The plastic liners are the ones that go over cloth diapers. Praise him when ever he does go potty. I have found that children that are potty trained at the daycare and not at home are seeking for the attention. Give more attention to other things that he is doing well.

I once was a daycare provider and I helped potty train a lot of kids. When I would change diapers I would say going in your pants is so yucky. Big girls and boys go potty in the toilet. Do you think you would like to try and go in the potty? If they say no then they are just not ready. The training pants and plastic liners worked really well for me.

I hope this helps.

My son did the same thing. He is now 4 and potty trained, but occasionally poops the pants if he has diarea, or is just too busy playing to go. He is so ashamed of himself when he poops his pants he tries to clean it up himself(not pretty). We were very frusterated parents, we took away the pullups at 3. We had had enough! He never had accidents for anyone else, and made every effort to use the potty, until we got home. He would have a huge hissy fit when we asked him to use the potty. We tried treats, stories, and every thing we could. All I can tell you is don't give up! I know what your going through, lots of us have been there. I finally got through to my son by telling him he couldn't go to preschool until he was potty trained. I also had the slightly older kids next door get on him a bit about pooping in his pants. He looks up to them, and they get to go to school so he was inspired to do it. Your gonna get through it and laugh someday...

I don't really have any advice, but I thought I'd just offer you a little sympathy and commiseration. My son did the exact same thing. He is four now, and just finally going potty at home. He occasionally still has accidents. It isn't a lot of fun, but it is what it is, and as my ex MIL keeps telling me, he really won't go to college in pullups. He's just a stubborn kid (I'm referring to mine, I don't know your son so of course I'm not saying anything about his personality) and he's going to do it in his own time. Just hang in there. He'll get it sooner or later.

C., you can not give in to him, that's what he wants. Even though it's a hasel taking him to the bathroom every hour, do so, even he he throws a tantrum. bring a book and let him look at it while sitting , or tell him it's story time, when he's going to the bathroom, let him pick out the story before going to the bathroom. I would recommend taking him out of the pull ups. I know that might be another hasel for you, and a lot of extra wash, but sooner or later, he's not going to like to be wet. My son was potty trained at 1 1/2 years, we made him stand up, he'd perfer to stand, instead of sit. I'd ask if he had to go poo poo and he'd sit of coarse. It took him a little while to concer not pooping in his pants, I think about a month. I never put in in pulls ups. I would make him clean his own underwear by dunking them in the toilet several times. I of coarse had to clean them again, but after a month of poopin in his pants and having to dunk them, he diidn't like it anymore, he was cured. You just have to put your foot down, take charge and let him be accountable for his actions. He's big enough to know what's what's, even though they make you believe they don't,; munipulation, they are very good at it. AQnd if he wants you to cange him after he wets, let him do it. i hope I gave you something engouraging to think about. Hope it helps. S. B. Do you know of MOPS. (mothers of preschoolers) if not you should consider fing one in your area. mothers with little kids get together twice a month. It's great!

C.,
I'm wondering how long the step children have been in your home. Him getting to still be "your baby" may be his way of securing his special place in the family. I would second (or third) the suggestions of his wanting your undevided attention. And anyway you can fit in affirming - "you're my boy" and having special attention, like reading a book on the couch together as soon as you get home, let him sit in your lap, or even rock him.... he may be missing being your "little one and only". How are the dynamics between him and step brothers? Good luck, and i agree with not making a big issue.

When my older son was bout the same age we threw cheerios or kits into the toilet, not alot just a few, and told him "Okay now pee on the cereal." We didnt give him candies because we didnt want him to learn that everytime he did something he would get a reward. The cereal thing worked tho. He thought it was a game and had fun with it. Also the pullup thing confusses children cuz it's still feels like a diaper to them and they will potty in them. When you're potty training stick with just underpants. If you can find those plastic pants that go over underwear use them they will help. You do have to decide no more pullups.
ps I have a nephew almost three (he has a twin sister who has been potty trained since two) he still wont go to the big potty and still used diapers. He's just not ready.

It's easier for the daycare to have him go every hour because they can keep better track of his potty routine. You should create a steady routine at home. NO PULL UPS! It's like condoning potty in the undies. I learned this real fast with my son. Also, could there be something at home that is distracting him enough to where he doesn't want to potty? I would start having him learn to clean up his own mess should he choose to not make it to the potty. If it's an accident, I would help him. When my son did this, I made sure he had vinegar and a rag handy. He learned real fast that he was responsible for his actions. When he did go to the potty, rather than reward him with candy and toys, reward his with plenty of praise and love. They aren't going to be an adult and get candy every time they use the potty are they? Why should they think they will get candy when they go now? They should learn to go because that is what we have to do when we start to grow up.
I've learned that it is mainly about consistency, routine, and patience. Set up a steady routine rather than time it every hour. At this age, he has no concept of time. Rather, teach him how to go at certain times. I.E. when he first gets up in the A.M., right before a meal, before you leave the house for a trip...etc. Before you know it, if you stick to this, it will become habit for him. Praise him each and every time. Also, don't lose your temper. People tend to lose their tempers when children don't go as expected. I tried to remind myself time and time again, they are children...they can't hold it in and haven't learned to hold it in like adults have.
When you get to nite training, make sure to have him fully day trained. One thing at a time. Go out and purchase a plastic fitted sheet for his bed. and....NO PULL UPS! Start managing his fluid intake. People usually have to use the restroom within 15 to 30 min after a meal/beverage. Have him stop drinking fluid or drink little fluid, about 1/2 hr before bed. Have him go potty right before he goes to bed. Then wake him up and have him go before YOU go to bed. And lastly, this may seem tedious, but works and is well worth it in the long run...have him go about one to two times in the night. Have him go in the morning AS SOON AS HE GETS UP. I did this for about two months. Wore me out, but worked like a charm. He taught his body to respond and before you knew it...I had my son fully potty prepared in about 6 mos. Although, we had been trying since he was 2. He's almost 5. We had LOTS of setbacks. We've moved and had family issues...those kinds of stress will back your child up faster than you notice. Hope some of this helps. Just things that I tried and they've worked like a charm. Good luck! :D

C.,
It could perhaps be the way that your son sees as being able to secure your attentions when he hasn't seen you during the day. If you provide him with a positive way to do that, maybe this problem will go away on it's own. What I did with my little girl was to pick one favorite book that we read each and every time she used the potty. It should be medium to long and engaging enough to hold your son's interest. A short little story won't work, because as soon as it is over, he will hop off the potty without ever having gone. I would carry my daughter(sometimes unwillingly) to the bathroom and make a big deal out of reading the great book. Often, we let her go pants-free at home, because it helped her remember to "make it" to the bathroom. A feeling of wetness isn't comfortable. If she was wearing bottoms, I usually started reciting the first few lines in a silly voice while I unfastened her pants, which distracted her enough to be set on the potty without further complaint. Then we would read, and read, and read...until she went. Almost every time she would relax enough while reading to go. If you plan on trying this be completely consistent with it--use the same book, the same voices, the same time-frame (maybe even every 30 minutes instead of 60), etc. The idea is that he will begin to look forward to having that uninterrupted time with you and also associate that particular book with going potty. Never read it anywhere except the bathroom until he is fully pottty-trained! :> Plan on picking up dinner from the deli on your way home every night for a while. It's hard to make dinner while you're spending 15 minutes in the potty every 30 minutes! Plus, by picking a longer book, a sibling can just hang out with the two of you in the bathroom and read too, without ever feeling ignored. Good luck! I hope you find a solution that works great for your family.