Did any of you have a child that was not fully potty trained by the time preschool began?

Question

My son turned 3 at the end of June and is still not completely potty trained. He will go in the bathroom but is not able to physically hold it in just yet. I'm not going to push him b/c I know when he's ready, he will do it and it will be easier for him. But, school is starting in a month and the preschool we like won't accept children unless they are potty trained. I know I will have to wait to enroll him until he is but that may not be until October or November, realistically. Has this ever happened to any of you? If so, how did your child adjust starting a bit later in the school year? Thanks.

Answer 1

My step-daughter will be three, in two weeks.  She's supposed to be starting pre school come September, how ever her mother is just not attentitive to her needs, so when she spends time with us, we are very dilligiant about her, and her "potty" needs. Only, when she goes home.  Her confidence is de-railed by her mother, because of the lack of attention to the "potty" need.  So we fear that she will not be admitted into pre-school as well.  We too feel she will do it on her own, however I do believe they need a push, just like the rest of us.  You just can't let them make up thier own mind, and say.. "Ohh...  think I'll just wait to learn how to go potty on my own. I'm not ready yet."  I think persistance, praise & any other positive re-inforcement will help lift your child's confidence to use the potty, and help to push towards an on-time start-date of school.  Although, if it it doesn't work, I highly doubt he'll be affected by the late start-date. :)  Best of luck to you !  

Answer 2

What you could do is make up a rewards chart, give him stars whenever he goes to the toilet (make a big deal about it) I did this with my daughter and she went from wetting herself all the time, to wanting to go to the toilet. And then I didn't even have to put a nappie on her off a night time. She is now 4 and not even 1 accident.

Answer 3

He is only 3. still a baby. He doesn't have to go to preschool this year at all. Or he doesnt even have to go to preschool ever. If you just want him too then just wait. Its no big deal.

Answer 4

I had the same issue with both my girls and i had to wait another year before enrolling because the preschool reached their limit on enrollment.  

Answer 5

The enrollment in the preschool can be full by October or November.   I have noticed that the preschools that are still open by that time generally cost more.    It seems like most parents want a preschool that has reasonable tuition costs.

Also when you say your son is not completely toilet trained then do you mean that only poops in the toilet or only pees in the toilet or he just occassionally pees or poops (either one) in the toilet.   My potty training advice would depend on what progress has he made already.   My own kids mastered pooping in the toilet pretty quickly but peeing in the toilet (all the time) took longer.

I also don't think your son will have trouble adjusting if he starts preschool late.  It's not like they have high demands for 3 year olds.   The only thing I would worry about is separation anxiety.   Has he ever had a non-relative babysit him before.   I remember that when I was 4 my mom had me being babysat by friends of hers.   It was the first time I had a sitter and I cried a lot for my mom.   If your son is accustomed to being separated from you then he shouldn't have separation anxiety and I think he'll adjust fine.

Answer 6

I have a cousin who is turning 4 in August and just learned to use the potty a couple months ago. With some children, it may take a little longer but you're right... don't push him.

My aunt bought her some Elmo underwear (since she loves Elmo) and told her Elmo doesn't like to get dirty so she has to try her best to keep him clean (meaning, don't pee in your underwear). She tried her best not to dirty her "best friend" lol.