Are you on your way with your 4 or even 5 year old to a psychologist since he won’t quit diapers? You might need some guidance in handling the situation but you can rest assure that you share this situation with many moms around the world!
Some toddlers just won’t give up the diaper so easily. They might function well during the day and do their nr 1 in the toilet but as when it comes to nr 2 they will keep it till they get home and can use the diaper. This is a very common scenario and you will find women in many forums online discussing it.
It is typically a very verbal and smart child that acts like this. He will know exactly what is going on and he will simply inform you that he prefers to do his in the diaper. You’ve tried to bribe him with fire engines and what not but nothing works. He might have done it on the toilet once or twice but then he decided to go back to the good old diaper.
A 4 year old still in a diaper is a frustrating situation but you should know that it happens all the time and soon enough he will switch to the toilet. Many are the stories where the kid suddenly just goes to the bathroom never to look back at his best friend the diaper again.
So if you are right now dealing with a 4 or even 5 year old still in diapers the best thing to do is to stay calm and patient. Don’t argue with him or try to get him out of the diapers by force. This could create a trauma which will be much more difficult to deal with at a later stage. Let him decide for himself when it is time to go on the toilet and just encourage him to do so by supporting him in his choice.
The more he trusts you the more he is likely to listen to your advice so don’t force the issue. He will grow out of it and you will certainly not have to worry about having to change his diapers till he moves out!