Potty training

My 3 year old son will only urinate and have bowel movements in the potty when he is at pre-school or if he is runnning around naked at home.  If I put him in Pull-ups or real underwear he will urinate or have a bowel movement in them.  When I ask him why he doesn't go potty when he is wearing underwear he tells me that he doesn't know he has to go.  Needless to say how can that be?  My other son was 4 yrs when he was completely potty trained.  Am I trying too soon?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Be patient with him, he is proceeding pretty well. The behavior at pre-school, and even at home, indicates that he is on the threshhold of accomplishing this developmental task. Focus on rewarding him when he uses the potty. My guess is that you won't see too many more months go by before he's fully trained, but let it run its course.