STRESSED TODDLER! Help!

[Desperate2012]

DS is VERY stressed by potty training at home. Running about the house when he needs to go in floods of tears if I suggest he sits on the potty followed by more tears as he has an accident. What can i do to help him? Apparently fine at nursery, no accidents, takes himself to the potty. What should I do?!?!

[dannydyerismydad]

DS was like this. I moved the potty out of sight and he was suddenly happy to go. He didn't want to be watched.

Try giving him some privacy and see if it works.

[Desperate2012]

I have tried privacy but it doesn't seem to make a difference- it's the running around that is the problem!

[VeryStressedMum]

How old is he?

[Desperate2012]

3 years old last week

[dannydyerismydad]

What is he wearing at home? DS was definitely better when totally nappy free. It took a while for him to understand that nappies and pants are not the same thing! When he felt something on his bottom he thought it was safe to go! Here's what worked for us:

Part time potty training - nappies on in the morning and going out for an activity, nappy off and potty time in the afternoon. Small bursts were much more effective for us than cold turkey which was stressful for all concerned.

Taking DS with me when I went to the loo. He sat on his potty while I was on the loo.

Privacy at other times.

Sticker charts and chocolate buttons.

We had 2 aborted attempts before he finally got it. If it's causing tears, why not knock it on the head for a couple of months and try again?