Have I scarred her after one day of potty training?

[Aspire2Iron]

Tried to have a naked-bottom weekend with DD, aged 2.7, and she refused to go all day. I gave up after 13 hours and she was whimpering and in pain. I kept thinking, 'she's got to go sometime!' When I put the nappy on, it was totally saturated (pee&poo!) within 10 minutes!

We're giving up for now and for at least a month.... I feel like I've totally given her horrible associations. I could have sworn that she was ready, though! Very verbal, aware of her pees & poos, interested in the potty. Can't believe how we crashed and burned so emphatically on our attempt!

Ugh... feel awful. What's the way forward?

[corkysmum]

Ah potty training's not much fun. Does she see you using the toilet? And aware of what you're doing? You could try by-passing the potty and going straight to using the toilet, she may understand this better if you're role-modelling it for her.

I would say don't push it though. Take a break and try again in a couple of months. They all get there eventually! Stressing about it only leads to much heartache for both of you, she's still very little and will get there at her own pace.

Good luck!

[Aspire2Iron]

Thanks for that, corkysmum. Must... chill... out....

[reallytired]

I am sure you have not scarred her for life. It does show that your dd has control, but doesn't understand what to do.

I suggest you go back to nappies and try again in a couple of weeks. In the meantime I suggest you try the following to help her get the idea.

1. Get some toddler books about potty training from the library and read them to her. For example my son loved I want my potty
   
   
2. Get a doll that wees. Years ago we got a baby Annabell doll that weed when you gave it a bottle of water. I don't know if baby annabell dolls still wee, but I am sure it must be possible to get a potty training doll. Get your daughter to "train" dolly to use the potty.
   
   3)Try to encourage sitting. For example on waking get her to sit on the potty for five minutes by reading stories to her. She might surprise herself.
   
   4)See if you can invite a toilet trained child round.

[Aspire2Iron]

reallytired, that was really helpful! Thanks so much!!