HELP!! Potty training attempt number 2 going pearshaped. Give up?

[totallyupskittled]

Tried potty training DS at 2.5 and got nowhere. Started well but after 2 weeks ended with him totally refusing to go on the potty or toilet so we gave up thinking plenty more time yet, he's still a bit young. Nursery started dropping hints after his third birthday so we started again last week. He totally gets it, knows what to do. Pretty sure he knows when a wee is coming, deffo knows when he's about to poo. Had some great days when he was willing but now we're back to total refusal. He'll hop about groaning and clutching himself but totally refuses to go on the toilet (not interested in the potty) despite me pleading with him and then wees/poos in his pants. We've tried stickers, chocolate buttons but he's just not bothered. I'm gutted as some days he really can do it. I don't know whether to try a bit longer or give up and try later. All his friends same age are potty trained so I'm feeling the pressure, and from Nursery.

Well as you know he can do it, i would preserve other wise you will just be sending him mixed messages. I would continue taking him to the toilet, as that is what he prefers, and if he wets himself either totally ignore him while cleaning it up and make absolutely no fuss, or make him change himself obviously you would help him wipe himself. Sooner or later he will start using the toilet again, when he does up the praise and tell him what a big boy he is.

This may not be helpful as it's opposite above to above but I would hold back until he initiates it himself. 2.5 is still very young, so ignore the other kids at nursery. My dd was amazing the first 2 days of potty training (aged 2) - went on the potty, no problems, then suddenly just switched and would not sit for love nor money. Pooed and peed everywhere, so we gave up.

6 months later and she suddenly announced that she didn't want to wear nappies anymore - went straight to the potty and - with the odd accident - didn't look back.

BusterBluth - i would agree that at 2.5 that is very young and i wouldn't be worried, but the op said he was 2.5 the first try and now he is past his 3rd birthday.

I have been on the Please excuse and ignore

you have been excused

Thanks Buster and Cookie for posting. I too have been on the and am feeling more cheerful! Will persevere for a bit longer but am afraid of pushing too hard and setting him back. But also afraid of missing a 'window'. Sigh! I suppose giving up on a second attempt feels worse somehow. He is very stubborn. Just wondering whether to push through and hope he gets over the unwillingness.