Becky thanks for asking about toilet training, it is so common to be concerned and unsure of how to handle it. There are many ways to potty train a child, I will leave some tips and you can decide which would be best for little Ollie.
General guidelines: you are correct in your comment about implementing a bootcamp program and not gradually easing a child into it. Consistency is the key (as it is with any behavioral training). Make sure you are all in--don't be wishy-washy (behavioral term! just kidding) about starting a program. You may not want to start if you cannot keep with the program, like if you are moving or having a baby (HINT-HINT--however if done properly Ollie could be potty trained in a weekend). Also get your potty language straight. Are you going to say pee-pee, bathroom, toilet, or potty? Be consistent with everyone involved and use the same language every time so your child knows what you are talking about when you ask "Do you need to go potty?"
Signs your child is ready: if your child feels uncomfortable if wet or soiled (especially if they tell you--signs of tugging or pulling on a dirty diaper are also good). Also if they hide when having a bowel movement (BM) or urinating, although this usually happens only with BMs. If your child shows interest when parents/siblings use the toilet or if they wish to participate in toileting routines like washing hands, pulling up/down pants, flushing potty.
General guidelines: you are correct in your comment about implementing a bootcamp program and not gradually easing a child into it. Consistency is the key (as it is with any behavioral training). Make sure you are all in--don't be wishy-washy (behavioral term! just kidding) about starting a program. You may not want to start if you cannot keep with the program, like if you are moving or having a baby (HINT-HINT--however if done properly Ollie could be potty trained in a weekend). Also get your potty language straight. Are you going to say pee-pee, bathroom, toilet, or potty? Be consistent with everyone involved and use the same language every time so your child knows what you are talking about when you ask "Do you need to go potty?"
Signs your child is ready: if your child feels uncomfortable if wet or soiled (especially if they tell you--signs of tugging or pulling on a dirty diaper are also good). Also if they hide when having a bowel movement (BM) or urinating, although this usually happens only with BMs. If your child shows interest when parents/siblings use the toilet or if they wish to participate in toileting routines like washing hands, pulling up/down pants, flushing potty.
Jen thanks for the potty training advice. I'm thinking Ollie isn't quite ready yet, he isn't showing enough signs of wanting to, I think it's more that I WANT him to be ready. He never minds sitting in his own poop, too bad. But I think I will do the potty boot camp once the time is right. That seems the best option for Ollie's.
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