Potty training 3.5 year old boy who doesn't communicate verbally well?

Question

My cousin is 3.5 and it is time to potty train him. I watch him very often and I want to try to do it. His parents are always working so they can't have the time to do it. He has bad verbal communication skills, but has interest in using the "potty". Any suggestions? He also has a 25 month old sister who copies absolutely everything he does, do you think if he becomes potty trained she will copy what he does? Could I end up with 2 potty trained toddlers =)?

Answer 1

Even if he doesn't communicate very well he still understands what you're saying. You should give it a shot, and who knows, you could end up potty training them both. It's the right time for both of them to start using the potty. Just use a reward system. Praise him for trying to go potty and praise him and give him a treat for actually going potty. If he has a potty chair already, just sit him in it throughout the day so he gets used to it, and try to make him comfortable on the potty so he doesn't end up hating it. Good luck trying to potty train them, and I wish the best for you.

Answer 2

If he can't communicate verbally, then maybe come up with a sign he can use that means he has to go. Either use the ASL sign for bathroom or make up a fun one all your own he can use.

Answer 3

Yes it is likely that his younger sister will learn at the same time.

Get them into a routine - sitting on the potty / toilet every two hours.   make it fun, read them a story while they are sitting, sing songs, give lots & lots of praise for anything that goes into the potty.

Same time, same routine each day - they will soon learn.

Answer 4

before anything else, you need to get the parents okay before starting this endeavor.  they may be thrilled with the help but it MUST be their call.  Even if they want you to do it, you need to follow their lead.  Ask THEM what exactly they want you to do.  I doubt they're going to say train him however you think appropriate.  

potty training a 3.5 can be a REALLY messy process--and it can stay messy for a long time before you get any progress  (my son wasn't really potty trained til 4, so I know what I'm talking about.)  So you can't take on this project all by yourself.  It's got to start with the parents.