2 1/2 Year Old Scared of the Potty

Focus on the little potty for now, it is good she will use that at least sometimes. MAybe you could even put it outside the bathroom door in the hall so it is not so close to the big one? Then gradually move it closer.

Not only let her see you using the big potty, but also any little friends, cousins etc who might be willing to let her see them too. Once she gets comfortable with the little potty she will eventually move to the big one, maybe you can put her potty seat on top the big toilet for awhile if the size is what is bothering her. Just take it slow, she'll get there.

K. Z.

Let her see you using it.

Perhaps she has been told in the past not to fish in it, or to stay away for fear of drowning, and she is getting over some memory of being yelled at for being near it, but surely that will pass.

Or, she might find the flushing sound loud and scary. Let her flush some Cheerios down? Without any attempt to use it with her?

My guess is she might be afraid of the flushing sound the toilet makes. My son is 2.5 and has been going through this lately. Not so much at home, but in public restrooms. He gets freaked out by the toilets that automatically flush and are VERY loud (I don't blame him at all!). Check and see if that is what is scaring her. If she's willing to go on the little potty, then have her use that. :)

T.

K saw "Flushed Away" and would not go to the bathroom anywhere but at home. I just let it go until she was ready again. We did spend more time at home and i explained we couldn't go to the Library or some other place because she wouldn't use their bathroom.

Let her take her time and drop it for a while, even a month can make a difference. Jelly beans or Skittles are a nice incentive to get them to start again. "Hey, I have some Skittles, why don't you potty on your seat and then you can have one'.

this is totally normal and will pass. if she is using the little potty that is a good step and you should go w/ that. it is said that you will have better success p.t. if you have an open door policy: meaning that she sees you using the potty that way she will just learn by watching you that the big potty is okay. some times it is the noise and sometimes it is the size: you can ask her if she is verbal enough but be careful bc you dont want to ask her by telling her something bc that will create new fears ex. are you worried bc it is loud? (well she did not think of that but now she is....) good luck and it is a LONG process just read her cues and take your time.