We have been toilet training my DD since last April when she was 2 years 4 months - that's right, for the last 10 months. I am at my wit's end with it and really don't know what to do, and why it's getting to me so much.
Back in April it was lockdown so we weren't going anywhere, and the weather was great plus I was pregnant and furloughed so thought we'd give it a go when we could have lots of time outside. She did great! Took to it straight away by having nothing on below the waist for a few days, moved quickly from potty to the toilet and by May I thought great! Only one in nappies!
Then when DC2 arrived in June her behaviour deteriorated overall (which I expected) and particularly around using the toilet. She stopped going of her own accord so had to be prompted, fine. She then started resisting going even when it was obvious she was desperate - it was/is obvious that she's using it as a power/control struggle when other areas in her life have been uprooted (sibling, lockdown). It's got to the point now where I can't remember the last time she went to the toilet without being 'forced' or bribed. When she's really on one she'll even just squat down and wee where she's standing, looking us in the eye! We've tried so hard to be breezy and nonchalant about it, but she's obviously picking up on our frustrations. The rest of her behaviour has settled now, but the toilet battles remain.
What I'm struggling with is that 1. I know she can do it as she was fully dry for maybe 6 weeks before/around DC2s birth, not a single accident and 2. She NEVER has poo accidents, she has only once (at nursery when distracted) not made it to the toilet, and never has to be prompted. It's only wees.
I just lost it (on my own, not in front of her) after she weed on me whilst I was reading her a story and have decided to put her back in nappies. I feel like taking away the heat and pressure around it might just allow us all to relax and try again in a few weeks. But on the other hand, am I crazy putting a 3 year old who has been fully toilet trained back into nappies?? I just can't face the nursery handover tomorrow with the report of how many accidents she's had.
Any advice/suggestions welcome. I don't know why it's getting to me so much.