Day 1 help

[jdr1234]

Hi
my daughter is 2 1/2 and today is day 1 of toilet training. She is completely aware of when she needs a wee but then holds it and then becomes distressed starts crying, tantruming. Eventually Runs away and hides then wees on the floor. Any tips ?

It sounds like she is scared and overwhelmed by potty training.

Don’t put any pressure on her, keep it stress free and fun. Do not show any of your emotions eg stress, frustration, too much expectation. Keep smiling. If she has an accident say calmly and with a smile “oh dear not to worry, let’s see if we can get the next one on the potty, wouldn’t that be great.”

Set a timer and sit on the potty every 15 mins. Praise for sitting on it for a few seconds, even if nothing happens. Then back to playing. Repeat.

Offer a reward for if a wee/poo goes in the potty. I gave a chocolate button for every time something in the potty.

Stay calm and don’t shriek and scare them if something goes in the potty. I’ve seen lots of parents get over excited and scream with joy and then it startled the child and they burst into tears! A calm and happy “well done, aren’t you a clever girl, mummy is so happy with you.”

I’ve potty trained around 20 children (ex-Nanny and Mother to my own 4 kids). Feel free to PM me if you want to chat x