my 20 month old is afraid of the potty is this normal?

Question

i have a 20 month old son and i am trying to potty train im and everytime i put him on the potty he screams and cries and i dont know if this is norma or a problem help me someone i even tried to make it a game ut that doesnt work

Answer 1

Are you sure he's ready for the potty? Is he showing the signs (using the bathroom at a specific time, getting upset over a dirty diaper, etc)? Also, what kind of potty are you using? A big one or a small one?

There's no "normal" for anyone--but I can say the average kid is scared of the potty. If you aren't using a little potty, I suggest using one.

Also, I would praise your son every time he goes to the bathroom--in his diaper or in the potty. Take him in there when YOU go the bathroom.

However, never just force him on the potty. My husband was refused to see a little potty until he was about 3 because he wanted to pee standing up like his dad.

Answer 2

Yes, it is very normal. My daughter was terrified of the potty, especially those in public restrooms, where the "hole" is bigger than at home. We bought a special insert that goes on the potty that makes it fit a child's bottom better. If that doesn't work, buy a separate potty chair and start out letting him sit on it with his clothes on out in the living room while watching TV. If he wants to sit on it naked while it's out there, let him. Then gradually move it to the bathroom. Let him sit on it while you're using the bathroom. The most important thing is to let him see that the potty isn't a bad thing. He'll get the idea sooner or later. The most important thing is not to rush him. I just let my kids figure it out on their own, and they were both potty trained by three. Good Luck.

Answer 3

COMPLETELY normal !!!! My oldest son was the same way, and when he got older I asked him what it was that scared him so much, and if he remembered being afriad of the toilet? He said "Yes, I sure do!" "I was afraid the waves of water, going down were going to take me with it!!" He used to be "Terrified, out of his mind, during his 'poddy-training' days!! We couldn't believe how he was , and how were we going to train him, if he's this scared of the toilet, you know. Well , I went and bought him some "Floating Ducks" that didn't flush, and would have him to aim, at them, and then I told him, that he wouldn't hurt the ducky's when he go #2, they'd stilll be there.. So you might want to try something along those lines.. He's probably just afraid of the water, swollowing him down the toilet, is all.. Or you could get a friend who has a boy toddler in training as well, who's not afraid of the toilet, to show him how its done, either .. or.. Good Luck to you, and "Thanx For The Memories!!" My son is now, almost 21, and boy do they grow-up soooo fast!! Makes me sad, to think his little sister and brother will soon be off to college, or on their own too, in 4 & 6 years, as well !!! Smile, and "You have a Wonderful Day, for me!!!

Answer 4

I have a 3 year old and when we started putting her on the potty she also cried, so yes its normal, but i have no clues for potty training we are still trying.
I think the key is be consiteny, which is hard . Good luck to you.

Answer 5

Totally normal. Wait a month or so and try again.

Potty training is not all that it is cracked up to be. After they are out of diapers you tour every public potty you pass!

Good luck!

Answer 6

I have a daughter that is 2yrs old and she's not completely going to the potty either but when you sit him on the potty give him something to play with or turn to the cartoons for him and see if that helps.

Answer 7

He's NOT ready to be potty-trained yet! That's why he's resisting. I waited until my kids, and I have three boys and a girl, were three and they were NO problem to potty train. Why not consider waiting, at least until he's 2 1/2??

Answer 8

what worked for my son when he was small and being potty trained was I could take him up the canyons and when he had to pee. I let him pee on a tree. or a bush.. he would get the hang of it ( not intended to be a pun) it was like a natural way for him to be able to do what nature intended for him to do with out the cold toilet seat and the intimdating structure of that porcelain god.
Or if there is a man around the house, let him watch how they do it. put little toilet paper boats in the toilet and let him shoot them down and drowned them. he will get the hang of it in time. the worst thing you can do is pressure the little guy. just let him know that its okay if he doesnt want to do it.. he will when he is comfortable with it.

Answer 9

Yes, it's completely normal. He is just not ready yet. I have successfully potty-trained 3 children and the key is waiting until they're ready. You will know it too, they will let you know. All of mine were afraid of the potty at that age, but they come around. Just don't force him if he's not ready, you will regret it.

Answer 10

Yes, it is normal for children to be afraid at first. Also, 20 months old is pretty young to potty train - especially for a boy. You might check with you pediatrician and see what he/she thinks.