Doesn't like it, wont try it!

[RedHotPokers]

We had a go at potty training Ds over xmas, with no success (1 wee in potty on day 1, and them no further success). After about day 2, he refused to engage in the process, and when he went back to nursery he didn't want to try there, despite their positive encouragement.

We stopped trying as he had taken so much against it, and I was worried carrying on was making it into a 'thing' iyswim.

Despite him being back in pullups, we have encouraged sitting on toilet/potty ( he refuses), talked positively about pants/toilets, generally bigged up the whole thing, but not gone on about it. He hates any talk about it though, seems to love nappies, and doesn't want to try EVER.

He has just turned 3 and I must admit I am worried if he is likely to engage on trying anytime soon. He starts school in Sept, and it is possible they might not let him start if still in nappies.

Sorry about essay, but wondering if anyone had any advice. We were going to try going cold turkey over Easter, but now I'm thinking there may be no point, and maybe we're better waiting.

My DD was over 3 too. Same sort of issues as you. I left it for ages after she was getting upset, then gradually started asking if she wanted to try the potty or try wearing knickers. If she said no, I just left it another few days.

Then one day she wanted to choose a pair of knickers and wear them and that was that! A few accidents, but not too bad.

It's really hard not to keep thinking "but everyone else is potty trained" isn't it?

My almost 3 year old nappy loving DS was exactly the same a week ago and would have a screaming tantrum if I so much as suggested he sit on the potty. I got pretty sick of raised eyebrows at the nappies but we tried the cold turkey also before christmas and it was just frankly stressful and depressing without DS on board.

Does your DS have a good friend that is already potty trained? I swear this is what made my DS click in terms of potty training. He hung out with my neighbours potty trained little girl for a day and just suddenly decided he wanted to wear pants like her and followed her to the loo everytime she went. Oh and I'm sure the chocolate buttons helped! But anyway, I'm sure you will reap your rewards for waiting as they basically don't seem to need 'training' when they are older and seem to be dry and take themselves to the loo almost instantly once they finally decide its for them.

It's 5 months till Sept, that's so much time in terms of development. Don't let anyone else get you down! I think it sounds like you are doing the right thing to not make it stressful for the both of you.

I am mid way through the process at the moment. DS is 3.2

I went cold turkey and the first day he got terribly upset. Wouldn't sit on potty, screamed if I tried to put pants on him (well, he let me after a few minutes). He had the most almighty melt down when I tried to take him out in the afternoon - proper hysteria.

I really doubted myself and thought he's not ready, I'm traumatising him etc. but then thought no, he is ready and if it was anything else that he was afraid of (nursery, new experiences) I would be reassuring and comforting, rather than not make him do it.

Only wees in trousers for first 2 days and wouldn't entertain sitting on potty when asked. by 3rd day, he got the idea and took himself off to the potty when he needed a wee.

He's absolutely fine now in the house - very few accidents. Out of the house is a different matter

Thanks everyone, you have given me hope. We'll try again over Easter - fingers crossed!

Can I suggest bribery?! I'm usually against using chocolate as coercion but it was the only thing that worked with DS. He was adamant that he wouldn't sit on the toilet or potty so, on the advice of a friend who has potty trained 3 boys, DH and I started to reward each other with a chocolate button every time we went to the loo. It took about a day for DS to crack and be desperate to get on that seat!

Red - my DS is nearly 3 and 2 months and sounds exactly like yours. I'm still not convinced he's entirely ready, but I so, so am. I am not going to push it though, as like you, don't want to make it into a Big Thing.

Like - that is a great tip, might try that. :)