Hi,

My son is coming up for 3 years old and is still in nappies. We have tried to get him to use the toilet, he is ok for a couple of days, but then goes back to soiling himself.

I have looked on the web and tried advice from some of the mums sites.

can anyone offer any help??

We found trying to make it as fun as possible helped. When he has done a wee on the toilet or potty or better still poos praise him and maybe give him a sticker. Wow how clever, a real big boy now etc. He will associate the act with praise and feel good about it.
It takes time and he will soil himself. You just have to keep going. Often i think,because for the parent having the nappy on can be so much easier, the parent doesn't stick with it either.Eg When traing him you have to keep asking "do you want to go the the toilet". My one always said no. In the und and often under protest i would just take him every 30 minutes or so. This is why it is a pain.If you are out you have to keep finding loos.At least with a nappy if he wees he will be ok for an hour or so possibly.
They need to work out that if they don;t go to the loo they will soil themselves and they will learn.It takes time. Afterall he's had almost 3 years of not having to think about when and how he is going to the toilet.
Try putting one of those little smiley face (like a little squash ball thing) that floats in the loo. He will in time try and take aim and think its funny.
It is a very serious subject and,like so many things about parenthood,it is just a case of sticking with it. Don't worry if all your mates kids are saying that there little one is potty trained etc.That may be but maybe you boy sleeps through and there one is up all night in their bed.
I hope this is some help. Stick with it and have plenty of changes of clothes raedy. Seriously when he soils himself it is no major (we pretend) just say should have told mummy and daddy you wanted to go to the toilet etc.Say its ok and then the next set of trousers etc. Hope it goe swell Ginring 12.

I agree with Learner. Little pressure on your son as possible. (easier said than done becasue you are desperate for him to succeed etc). As much fun and praise as possible. Make it into something that he thinks is fun or he doesn't dread and it will come. It can take time. Good luck.

It takes time. Like everything to do with kids some take to it very quickly and others it can take a while.
Ginring12- i would just keep going. You will have to do a lot of washing but you will get there in the end. Trust me all the hassle now is worth it. The accidents the inconvenience etc. Just imagine that day when there are no new nappies. IMAGINE!! Good luck mate.

Thanks for the info guys, I am going to take it easy with him, most of the stuff I have read up on says to try and let him do it in his own time.