Potty Training Power Mailbag: Have to Go Potty?

Sean March 30, 2009 - 0 Comments
Potty Training

This “have to go potty” post is an email exchange between a Potty Training Power client and myself.

Names and contextual punctuation have been altered and the return email was edited for brevity.

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Hi Sean,

Well, it’s going pretty well here in potty-training land. Yesterday, we had many more successes than accidents. Today remains to be seen. :) I am wondering, though, how do you move from the “I think I’m starting to go, so I run to the potty” to “I can sit down and go before we leave for the store.” So far, we can’t really leave the house, because he can’t just “go” before we leave.

I know Is that just a learning thing that he’ll pick up as he gets better? Or is there a way to teach him to go when he says, “I have to go potty”? I do have him sit down and try going potty regularly, but so far, he’s never done it during those times.

Thanks for your help!

Alexa

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Hi Alexa,

I’m glad things are going well. It sounds like you are already through the worst of it. Here are our best “have to go potty” suggestions:

You’re changing the rules, so there is naturally going to be an adjustment period between the two of you. This is an excellent opportunity for a teachable moment, so long as it’s handled well. If your son feels like you’re in it together, he’ll be willing to do just about anything you ask. If he feels like he’s having to do whatever you say without really understanding why, then he WILL be more resistant to your methods.

Here are a few “Have to Go” strategies

Clear his bladder first thing in the morning. This is really important. If you start with an empty bladder in the AM, the rest of the day will be far easier to monitor. The last thing you want is to feel hostage to the house, nor do you want to give him ultimate power over your schedule.

Measure his liquid intake. Know exactly how much he is drinking. This isn’t something you want to do forever, but by measuring his liquids throughout the day you can begin to manipulate his body’s schedule.

Time the intervals between his potty breaks and note the changes. It may take a couple of days, but as long you’re consistent, simple math will make a pattern emerge. Once you can articulate the trends, your GOLD.

By this point, it’s just about getting him to comply. Simple bribery might be the trick. “As soon as you go potty, we can go on our (insert special adventure). Just be careful about giving him too much power. He may have total control over your schedule, but you don’t have to let him know it.

It sounds like the hardest part is over, but if it isn’t we’re still just an email away.

All our best, and good luck!

Sean

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As always…