potty training

[wordtweaker]

First post, so apologies if I have bent or broken any rule!
My cousin has a 3-year old boy who won't sit on the potty, because it unnerves him. Does anyone have an idea which will help? I am a secondary teacher who has had two children, but no problems like this.

A 3 year old might as well just skip the potty and use the toilet - but I guess that is too obvious! Does your cousin let him go to the toilet with her to see it is normal - she could let him do that for a few weeks before suggesting again that he tries it. I have heard people put the contents of the nappy into the toilet with the child and wave it off, or suggest that poo and wee feeds the fish! Disgusting stuff like that sometimes appeals to children and gets them over their worries - bribery with chocolate buttons or the like is also good...

I am sure somebody else will offer more poignant advice!

My ds went straight to the toilet, mainly because I find potty's worse than nappies.
We told him that the poo went down the pipes to a poo party and we did the wee feed the fish one too.

Food colouring is a good trick too. Buy blue watch it go green!

It needs to be ridiculously fun and a happy thing!

having the same issue with 2.5 DS - understands, just doesn't want to do it. will watch this thread with interest!