Potty training help?

Question

Ok, heres the deal. My daughter is 3 years old, and we have been trying so hard to get her potty trained. She knows how to use the potty and has done so a few times. I have tried using pull ups, rewards, etc. I have even gone so far as to put the potty in the living room so she can use it as needed. She really shows no interest in using it though. She knows when she has to have a bowel movement and will tell me when shes going, but as soon as we sit her on the potty she clams up. She wants changed after she goes too, as she doesnt like to be wet or dirty. I don't know what else to do. I don't want to push her, but at 3, I think she should be out of diapers. Any ideas? I have already talked to her doctor, and he says not to be too concerned, she will train herself when shes ready. Tell me what has worked for you, cause I am literally at my wits end. Thank you so much!!!

I just wanted to emphasize that I am not forcing or pushing her, nor am I getting angry or stressed out when she sits on the potty and does nothing. I know it will happen, I was just wanting some advice and/or tips. Thats all.

This is for Ava..I have 2 potty types. The regular potty seat designed for toddlers, and also the toilet seat topper, which is basically a small toilet seat designed for smaller bottoms. It sits directly on the toilet itself. She likes to sit on both.

Also to everyone else, she tells me as soon as she pees that she needs to use the potty. It seems her timing is off. By the time she tells me she has to go, shes already went.

Answer 1

I agree with the panty technique. If she wants those pretty panties to stay dry she will start going to the bathroom. Be patient because this will not happen overnight and you will spend MUCH of your time washing panties to make sure she has another pair to put on (unless you buy like a lifetime supply). Kids do learn at their own pace, but I know how you feel that your child is 3 and "should be" by now. I think you should absolutely try the technique of buying some pretty new panties (LET HER PICK THEM OUT), and tell her that "it is time for her to be a big girl, and that means getting rid of the diapers and wearing 'big girl panties' " I think if she feels like she is part of the process it helps her WANT to do it!!! Just my opinion, but it worked with both of my children!!! Good luck....there is nothing more frustrating than a child who can't seem to potty train.

Answer 2

My son was nearly four when he finally was potty trained. Just let her go at her own pace and when she's ready she'll pretty much do it on her own. Don't listen to other "all knowing" people that tell you she should be potty trained by now because they don't know your child like you do and I don't care how many books they've read! If you push it too much it will become a power struggle between the two of you and it's just not worth it! I mean quite frankly, how many five or six year olds have you seen that are wearing diapers? It will happen when it happens so just relax and let her be a kid while she still can. Believe me in the grand scheme of raising kids (I have three) not being potty trained at three doesn't even register! Good luck!

Answer 3

I agree with your doctor. The more you push the more she will resist. Let her be for a while. My son is 3 and is only beginning to show interest in it. I put him on the potty, praise him, and we discuss all the bodily functions, but pushing him or getting mad would not help. Step back for a while. Never mind what you think she should be doing, each child goes at their own pace. You are stressing out, just relax and it will come. Remember, she will not be in diapers forever. She won't. And sometimes they learn from other kids so if she is not in preschool get her into a class and see her learn from the other kids.

Answer 4

I had problems with my son . He just got potty trained a month ago . He is a little over 4 . I tried everything , Bribe, pull ups , toys, nothing worked . He wouldnt do it and put up a huge fight . What worked for me is I put a long shirt on him with no pullup and no diaper and followed him around all day . He would beg me when he had to go to put one on. He got the hang of it that day and then I put him in underwear of his fav super hero and that if he peed or pooped scooby will be mad at him and call him up to tell him . Ever since that day he is now trained . I believe though to that they wont do it until they are ready no matter what you bribe and frustrated you get . pushing them to hard makes then not want to I have heard as well . Good luck

Answer 5

I have a five year old son and he wasnt fully potty trained until he was four its not uncommon the only thing i found that worked was putting him in big boy underwear that way they feel when their wet becayse diapers protect againest rashes underwear dont they become very uncomfortable she wont like the feel of wet pants so she will most likly use the bathroom but when she does make a huge deal about clap and even give candy sometimes

Answer 6

My daugter was trained at 2 1/2. I knew she was ready because she would hide when she had a bowel movement. I bought her some pretty panties( Disney Princess) etc., and cut out the pull-ups. Then I just made her sit on the potty after I knew it she had to go. Since your daughter doesn't like to be wet or dirty she'll start using the potty if she has to constantly be wet.

Answer 7

she will go on the potty only!!! when she is ready. don't be so quick to change her. explain that if she does not want to be soiled, she needs to use the potty like a big girl. have you tried her on the inserts that fit on the regular toilet? Just an idea.don;t be pushy but be presistant. She senses that you are at your wits end, stay calm, but try my idea. what do you have to lose.

Answer 8

I have a 4 year old daughter and I let her do it at her own pace. I just told her that if she wants to go to school then she had to go on the potty. It took time but she did it. I would point out the school buses and the kids playing on the playgrounds and that is what mode her want to go to school.

Answer 9

There just isn't much you can do to force her to potty train. I honestly think you are doing a great job with it. Just keep at it the way you have been. Keep going strong with your methods... she will come around, I swear!

Answer 10

your doctor is right and let me tell you that i have a cousin that was potty trained a moth before her 4 birth day