Does potty-training a child become increasingly more difficult as the child gets older?

I have a few grandchildren that were late getting potty trained. One had medical reasons he couldn't hold it, and I'm pretty certain the other did it for attention. Sounds like this little fella falls into the second category.

Sounds like it has become a power struggle between him and his parents; he knows what he's supposed to do, he just refuses to do it. Potty training is the only area where the child has control over his own life! Parents need to teach the child that using the potty is for his own convenience, not theirs.

The only thing I can suggest is that when he does have an accident at daycare that you treat it matter-of-factly, without getting upset or scolding, help him clean himself up and then let it go. Don't reward him with extra attention, even if it's negative (better than being ignored, from a child's point of view) when he has accidents. At daycare, you're fighting a losing battle with whatever's going on at home.

HIs statement that his parents let him do it at home show that they've pretty much given up the battle. You might try a reward system; a small star or other token, when he does use the potty. Chances are mom and dad have already tried that, but he may fall for it since you're not his parent.

Kids seem more eager to behave well for anyone but their parents sometimes! I know how frustrating this is! 28 years of raising kids and grandkids!

I have a few grandchildren that were late getting potty trained. One had medical reasons he couldn't hold it, and I'm pretty certain the other did it for attention. Sounds like this little fella falls into the second category.

Sounds like it has become a power struggle between him and his parents; he knows what he's supposed to do, he just refuses to do it. Potty training is the only area where the child has control over his own life! Parents need to teach the child that using the potty is for his own convenience, not theirs.

The only thing I can suggest is that when he does have an accident at daycare that you treat it matter-of-factly, without getting upset or scolding, help him clean himself up and then let it go. Don't reward him with extra attention, even if it's negative (better than being ignored, from a child's point of view) when he has accidents. At daycare, you're fighting a losing battle with whatever's going on at home.

HIs statement that his parents let him do it at home show that they've pretty much given up the battle. You might try a reward system; a small star or other token, when he does use the potty. Chances are mom and dad have already tried that, but he may fall for it since you're not his parent.

Kids seem more eager to behave well for anyone but their parents sometimes! I know how frustrating this is!