Hi all,
Just wondering if anyone’s been through this and has any tips?
My DD has just turned 3 and has shown signs of being ready to potty train since about 2.5 — hated nappies, could undress herself, knew what wee and poo were, was really interested when others used the toilet, etc. But she absolutely refuses to sit on the potty or toilet, no matter what we try.
We’ve been on and off with potty training for the last 6 months — we’ve had to stop a few times because she either got really distressed or was unwell and just not up to it.
She’s my third, and the older two were dry within a week, so this is all new to me. I know every child is different, but we’ve tried everything — sticker charts, sweets, toys, books, TV, bubbles, singing… nothing’s made any difference.
She’s due to start school in September, so I’m keen to get her out of nappies before then.
We’ve just started trying again — it’s day 2, she’s got no clothes on, and she’s holding her wee for hours until she literally can’t anymore, then gets really upset when she has an accident. She seems genuinely scared of the whole thing. The only time she’s done a wee in the potty was when I sat her on my lap (facing me) with the potty underneath. She went, we made a big fuss, but she hasn’t done it again. Now the only way she’ll wee is if she’s holding a wet wipe underneath herself!
We don’t make a big deal of accidents — just clean up and carry on — but I’m at a bit of a loss. Has anyone else had this kind of fear/refusal with the potty? And if so, how did you get past it?
Not expecting overnight success or anything, just really hoping for a bit of advice or reassurance!
Thanks in advance xx