Please, oh wise MNers, can you give me some advice? Sorry, this is going to be long...
My DD is 33 months and we have tried a few times to potty train her but have stopped each time when she got upset. I left it a few months but as I have 10 days at home with her I thought this week would be a good opportunity to try again. She is not interested herself and seems to see no benefit in using the loo instead of nappies.
So, yesterday was our first full day and she had two wee accidents in the morning, one on the potty in the afternoon. Today she had one small accident in the morning and nothing on the potty. I had given her about 4 full cups of water, as someone suggested this was a good plan to encourage her to go more often. By lunchtime she was getting very distressed, clutching at herself and saying it was really sore. She has obviously been holding her wee in and does not seem able to 'let go' on the potty. (I have tried literally everything from weeing at the same time, literally showing her how to go on the potty - the shame, oh the shame - running water, bribery with chocolates, stickers, high fives, HUGE praise, seriously THE WORKS)
I said as it was nearly time for her nap (she sleeps for about 2 hours still) she could have her nappy on for lunch if she wanted. She immediately calmed down and 10 minutes later as we were going upstairs she said she needed it changed. I changed it and it was literally sodden and with a small poo in as well (first one since Monday morning).
Don't know what to do. I'm worried that by stopping herself going to this extent she could be doing herself some harm, but I also think if we don't crack this at some point with me pushing the agenda, she's not the kind of kid who's going to suggest doing it of her own volition.
Aagh. Why is it that everyone else seems to do it in 2 days, one or two accidents, excited kids bragging about their big pants... Am I just not cut out to be a potty trainer? Can I pay someone else to come and do it for me???!!!