DD1 (3) not using toilet outside of home.

[piximon]

DD1 has been dry in the day for a few months now. At home she just tells me she needs to go, if I'm busy with DTs she just gets on a potty. She's the same when visiting/staying with family, no problems.

But if we go out for the day she doesn't want to use public toilets. She also won't use the facilities at the nursery, despite being offered a choice of toilet or potty. She'll hold it in till we get home, sometimes all day, or until she has an accident. It worries me how long she is holding it in for.

Has anyone else any experience of this?

I used to do this as a child. no idea why though. but it was a problem in terms of accidents etc etc.
would she use them if she took a toilet seat? you can get a little fold up one that you could take in a bag and then maybe she'd be more inclined to use it?

My daughter 2/11 is not impressed with public toilets either and sometimes tries to hold it in rather than go. She is fine in nursery though, I think the problem with her is going without a potty seat she is afraid she will fall down the toilet!! It surely no good for them holding it in! have you asked why she won't perhaps she too is afaid of falling down? Could you maybe bring a potty seat with you?

Sorry fingermom, I just repeated what you said hadn't seen your post when I posted mine!!

Thanks for the replies. She doesn't use a toilet seat at home just sits on the normal seat if I'm there, so I didn't think a portable seat would help much, although definitely worth a shot. I even got a travel potty but she's not interested in that.

At the nursery they have choice seat or potty but she won't go at all. I have asked her countless times but she just says she doesn't want/need to go, but can tell from the way she can't wait to get home that she's in need.

The poor thing it must be uncomfortable to hold it in so long.

Maybe the next time you are at nursery you say that you need to go to the toilet and bring her in with you, pretend to go and when you are done you say now its your turn.

Just sit her up even if she says she doesn't have to and make light of it by tickling her and saying " I know you gotta go you little monkey" Etc. maybe then it would ease her anxiety if you are making light of it and she just might let go. Its worth a try I guess.