Do we quit, or is this normal?

[jennimoo]

DD is 23 months (I know that's quite young...) and started showing an interest in and sitting on the potty a couple of weeks ago so we had some no nappy time, she'd sit on the potty and often wee (for chocolate buttons!). So we decided to try potty training. It also seemed to make sense giving her a chance as it sunny, childminder is on holiday so just us for 2 weeks, and we're TTC so thought I might get the worst over before morning sickness kicked in!

Day 1 - got her to sit on potty about hourly, only 1 accident all day, even managed to go to the shops, she went on the potty in the loos no trouble!

Day 2 - a few successful sits on potty bit quite a few accidents and started to refuse to sit some of the time.

Day 3- loads of accidents, including a poo that's ended up everywhere! Also some refusing to sit on potty, or if she does holding on, as surely after 5+ hours she must have needed to go! However twice after wee accidents ran to and sat on potty when I suggested it, no argument.

Anyway, I don't want to quit just because it's messy, although DH wants to! If this is quite standard and given a few days she's likely to get it I don't mind, but how do I know when to say "ok, she's not ready"?

hmmm hard one.

for the most part i think if a child is ready you ought to be able to potty train fairly easily within a week. that's certainly been my experience anyway.

23 months is young, but i think if she can hold on for 5 hours and then go when needed (even if it took lots of encouragement) that's a really great sign! it shows that she has control over it and she knows when she needs to go.
so if i were you i would maybe give it another week and see how you go.
if it's stressing her out too much then stop, she is only little after all...

Thanks for your reply. After the 5 or 6 hours she did wee as soon as we got home, all over the carpet in her room, not on the potty, so not sure if that changes your opinion!

And today she sat on the potty for a story then 5 mins later did a wee on the floor :( I don't think she's getting it after all! Was sure she was at first, the mention on a chocolate button would make her wee on command!
Oh well.