How do I get rid of a toilet crutch?

[YukoandHiro]

My now 3y 8m old DD was hard to train from the day we started. She was dry within about four months or so, but had a massive issue with poo. She was really scared to poo on the toilet and would say she didn't need to go and then soil herself. We got over this by allowing her to play CBeebies apps on the iPad while on the toilet - it helped her to relax and go. So now she's totally clean and dry (in the day - she's still in night pull ups) but literally won't go for a poo without the iPad. She holds and gets really distressed without it. It's not been an issue during lockdown but she's starting school in September and also soon we'll be out more without this crutch in tow. Also, she's a nightmare to get off the damn games once she's already had her poo!
Any ideas on moving on from this, so she can relax enough to let it go by herself?

Bump...

Ah ha, I suggest you b try poo goes to poo land! It's an app these days. Used to be a pdf. My daughter used to be worried about going and it helped her. Be warned its a bit grim, but funny, about a friendly family of turds...

Honestly I’d leave it. She’s still young, it helps. She’ll grow out of the games, although to be honest who doesn’t like a bit of alone time with a book or magazine (or phone!) on the loo!

You could swap for something else like a magazine if she’s interested.

If you struggle to get her off it set up family time and switch it off from your phone when she’s done.

I wouldn’t worry too much. Ds has to have a go in the lucky dip bag for wee on the potty for ages and poos on the loo he has the iPad. AT least he’s stopped doing in the bath. I think the need for the iPad whilst pooing will lessen especially if she’s gets to have a go on it at other times

Ds has to be read stories while he does his.. But recently he's very occasionally done a poo at creche and I very much doubt they read him a story while he does it so he's obviously able to go there without the books.
He will hold on at home if I don't read stories though so I do.. Mainly because if I don't I get a 2am wake up call of him needing to go then 🙈 I'm assuming he'll grow out of it soon enough

Thanks everyone this has made me feel more relaxed.

We tried the poo goes to Pooland app earlier on but it really scared her - she had a real "thing" about poo when we first started potty training and would even get upset if she saw a dog doing one in the park! Anyway we're over all that now but i daren't try the app again in case it sets her off.

We've tried switching for a book but that hasn't worked, but a magazine is a good idea as it's more of a treat. I'll get a couple for her.

How old is your DS @Smurf123 ?

3 years 2 months
He starts nursery school in September

Perhaps the iPad could break? You could offer a comic instead until the iPad is fixed.