I noticed there is a really strong presence of moms here so I thought I'd seek some advice from you all. My wife and I are working with my 2 (almost 3) year old on potty training. We've tried different things, but none seem to work well until recent.

He's a pretty head-strong kid, so it's been a battle and he could wear us down at times. So we decided to go straight to underwear and let him decide when he wanted to go. I started asking him about every 15 mins. If he said no, we wouldn't go. Any accidents would result only in a firm reminder with a sit on the toilet. We also bought Elmo Goes to the Potty which seems to work well. For the last week, we've had less accidents and he's starting to tell us when he wants to go. I'm not sure how long this will last, but I hope he keeps it up.

What are you all's experiences?

Sounds like you have a good start going there! If you want less clean-up for accidents, I've heard the suggestion of putting diapers/pull-ups/waterproof pants (Gerber makes the last one) over the underwear... we've only done this if we're going to be out of the house for awhile. You might also want to try waiting more like 2-3 hours before asking him... work up to longer times between asking, 15 minutes seems VERY often (he might start feeling too pushed and rebel).

We've been working on the potty training thing for about a month now. We're to the point where I think The Boy has conquered potty training (except for pooping), but is now showing his POWER by refusing to go potty (although, we still have very few accidents... he can hold it all in for quite awhile). These are fun times!!

I think it sounds like you are doing fine. Kids do certain things in their own time with firm guidance from us parents. Mine will turn 4 soon and is fairly potty trained, but will not go on a big toilet if we are out somewhere. So I use pullups on her when we go out.

Best of luck to you!

Thanks for the advice. I heard about the underwear over pull-ups, but never tried it. We'll have to start doing that. He'll go in public restrooms. I think we have more of an issue with it more than he does. But when you gotta go, you gotta go.

He went one time in a restaurant and told everyone in his loudest voice that he poopoo'd in the potty. It was pretty funny. He was really proud of himself and so were we.

I bought Once upon a potty (a book) as a joke for a friend but forgot about it until I started potty training my son. We read this book a million times. I did not push him. When he wanted to wear a diaper, he did. When he wanted to wear undies, he did.

For months, nothing, then I bought a potty that plays music when you pee in it. He played around with it but nothing serious. About a week after I got it, I could tell he had to go. I had him sit on the potty in the living room while I sat near by helping my daughter with something. After about 10 minuted sitting on the potty and watching TV, I hear the music.

I think it surprised him as much as it did me. We all made a huge deal about it and he told me he was just like Joshua (the boy in the book). That book and potty was all it took for him. Once he did it once, he wanted to be just like Joshua.

He is the 6th child I have potty trained and it is always different. Some do it quickly, some battle you for ever (like my oldest). Try different things until you find what works for him.

Zephra, that's what we keep hearing. I think we might have something now. I just got a report today that he went the whole day without an accident at school. He even had a #2 in the potty (I hate to tell all his business, but it was pretty cool). Let's hope this continues.

I've been trying to potty train my toddler too. He seems OK without his diaper sometimes but when he's busy playing or eating it seems like he doesn't realize that those 'accidents' are taking place. Maybe we too ask him every now and then if he needs a go when he's diaper-free making him a bit uncomfy and confused? Good advice, thanks :)