Yet another potty training question

[EllieT]

So we started potty training DS yesterday. (3 yrs old in August)
We’re sort of doing Oh crap method. I say sort of because I’m not sure if we are doing it 100% since I don’t have the book for reference and I read it back in the winter. But basically I’m doing what I remember it said

He’s been naked with just a shirt on top. Yesterday when we started we had like two instances where he peed on the floor but after that he got that he had to sit on the potty to pee and the only accident we’ve had was after his nap when we took the diaper off again (like he had forgotten what we were doing). He even pooped in the potty last night. And lots of pees in the potty. Day 2 (today) and no accidents. Lots of peeing in the potty. I mean lots.

So our problem is he seems obsessed with peeing in the potty. Will run to the potty every few minutes and try to pee. Or actually manage to squeeze out a few drops/small pee only to do it again 5 minutes later. Is this normal??? I’m afraid he hasn’t made the right connection and just pees on a schedule so to speak, not because he knows the feeling of needing to pee. And obviously he can’t be emptying the bladder if he can pee again 5 minutes later. Or is this normal pee behaviour when first starting??

Anyone know if the book talks about this at all

[VillainV]

Normal behavior. He’s just trying to figure out what it feels like and understand that he can control whether or not pee comes out. Also, I’m guessing you’re praising him when he goes, so he probably enjoys that. He’ll figure it out.

[Mrs.flang]

That’s been normal for us. DD is also 3 since August and we didn’t really follow a specific method but we’re almost one week in to exclusive peeing in the potty and she wears a pull up most of the rest of the time. She seems to do what you’re describing right before bedtime and also when we are out and about (like today at gymnastics she went 3 times during a 45 minute class). I thought it’s probably been in those type of situations where she wants to be sure she doesn’t have an accident. She also seems to sit on the potty for farts. Lol.

[icedcoffee]

Normal. Eventually they start emptying their bladder more.

[EllieT]

I’m happy to hear it’s normal.

[sillygoosegirl]

Normal. It's a novelty and he's learning/practicing. If you are using praise (or any other rewards), lay off on praising for peeing in the potty. If you want, you can periodically check undies and praise for keeping them dry instead (outcome rather than process). Or skip praising altogether, since clearly he's mastered that part.

You may be correct that he doesn't yet get how to empty completely or how to tell when he needs to go, or you might be wrong and he knows, but is enjoying going constantly anyway. At some point he'll start working on other skills, like checking out how long he can hold it. There may be some accidents when he starts working on those skills, which is frustrating for parents, especially if you thought you were done, but also pretty normal (it's easy to not have accidents when you go every 5 minutes, but don't worry, he'll figure out soon that he can't live that way).

[isabel]

Another vote for normal. We PT DS2 last weekend. He didn't really do what your son is doing, but he was peeing just enough to satisfy himself and us without actually emptying his bladder. A week later, he is fully emptying his bladder each time he pees and peeing at typical intervals.

eta: Also, if he is in daycare, expect accidents. It's normal. He may also hold his pee for an extended period of time. Eventually, he will sort it all out there, just like he is doing at home now. Stay the course.