So, I am potty-trianing my 2 year old son and......???

Question

I am trying to potty train my son who turned 2 in April. He is catching on pretty good but, we are having some issues. Today he pooped in his pull-up and I found him in the bathroom with his poopie pull-up around is ankles standing in front of his potty. MY QUESTION IS THIS:: How can I tell if he tried to go and just didn't make it in time or if he tried to kinda take care of it by himself so me and my husband wouldn't find out??? I know he knows better, and think maybe he was just trying to get rid of it so we wouldn't know. I am new at all this and just don't know what to do in that situation. Thanks in advance!!!!

Answer 1

I'm sure he tried his best. Accidents like that happen. It's good that he tried to take care of it himself. My daughter used to do that, too. It's an independence thing, and he probably didn't want to let you guys down. He probably knows that p**p goes in the potty, and was trying to make it go in the potty.

Tell him that it's okay to have an accident, but to call you to help clean up.  

Answer 2

Well, you can't tell for sure. But from the info you gave me, I think he was trying his best and just timed it wrong. He figured it out too late, but had the general idea of what to do. I would be surprised if, at age 2, he's aware enough to try to cover up a mistake. And even if he was, it's not something I'd punish a kid for. Kids have no clue how to be sly. And he's working on a major skill at a much younger age than is common these days. Good for him! And for you, for working on it now.  

Answer 3

Praise all of his achievements if it happens again, tell him "good job - you almost got your poo poo in the potty!"  When he does make it to the bathroom on time, remember to tell him "mommy is so proud!" my son has been potty trained for a while now and still wants me to tell him that I (along with various relatives) are soo proud!

Answer 4

"At 2, he wants to please you. Even if you were POSITIVE he was doing something on purpose, NEVER punish or shame for anything concerning potty training. It is counter-productive and he will likely regress. Only reward achievements."

I completely agree with that answer. From reading your explanation, it seems that he obviously tried his hardest to get there once he realized what was happening. When they first start potty-training, it takes them awhile to time it...what feels like "i need to go" to them is "i already went"...get my point? If anything, i would praise him for those moments that he at least got there, and try a little bit of "I'm so glad you went to the potty..that's where it goes...next time we gotta try REALLY hard to put it IN there, ok?" =)

Answer 5

Sounds like he was trying to get there to me. They all have accidents.

Answer 6

When my sons had an accident, it was because they didn't act on the urge to p**p and kept on playing.  For my sons I wanted them to be completely safe in the bathroom and I did not want the potty cleanup so I researched and found a very sturdy stool with sides for the toilet.  http://www.amazon.com/Elite-Child-Corpor...

They could get right to the toilet on their own and because it is a REAL toilet like Mommy and Daddy use, they are very excited and proud of their accomplishment.  This stool made all the difference for my kids and was well worth it.  They really responded to the independence and to using a toilet.  Hope this helps.

PS Toilet paper over the water prevents splashes for them so they don't get scared.

Answer 7

At 2, he wants to please you. Even if you were POSITIVE he was doing something on purpose, NEVER punish or shame for anything concerning potty training. It is counter-productive and he will likely regress. Only reward achievements.