Fear of Potty

I had a similar problem with my son. I finally gave up trying to potty train for a while and put him back in diapers. After a few months, he started asking to use the potty and was very easy to potty train at that point. I think the problem was it was just too soon for him and trying to force the issue just made it worse. My advice is to give her some more time. She will probably let you know when she is really ready.

I think it is all about making it fun and rewarding. I don't think the issue should be pushed too hard though. It does sound like she is ready and if she's not, just remember she won't be in diapers for the rest of her life. I skipped the little potty and just put the add on potty seat to the toilet with a step stool next to it. I think that cuts out the transition from the little potty to the big potty and you can make your little girl feel like a big girl, like mommy - but really, to each his own. My 2 yr old got a fruit snack when she went in the potty and I had to go with her for several months before she would do it on her own. That being said, every child is different (my first peed in her panties one time and was so mortified she went in the toilet from then on out. Too bad they all can't be that easy!). Maybe you should try showing her that the potty is not scary. Maybe you should get her favorite stickers (Dora, princess or whatever) and decorate the potty or show her that HER baby doll or stuffed animal is not scared of the potty. I got my girls' favorite barbie and showed her that barbie could go potty (I would sneak a raisin in the pot so she thought barbie really went poopoo) and that really helped her not be scared.

Good luck in potty training! It is so nice once they are!

Sounds like she's aware of when she's going/gone, but maybe she's not quite in control of her body functions yet. Give her some more time in diapers or pull-ups (like the color changing ones or the ones that get cold when wet. 22 months is still a bit early for most kids. Leave the potty chair out, though, so she can still be comfortable seeing it and being around it.

Go to www.askdrsears.com for tips...this site helped me a great deal on the true signs of when the child is ready.

Why not take her into the bathroom with you and when you sit on the potty she will know that it is the right thing to do- it is the right way. Brag on yourself and show her how great it is.

Keep her in the panties and keep trying. Maybe go out and buy her a new little potty or one that attaches to the big potty. Have her help you pick it out then she might be a little excited to sit on it. We gave our dauther a skittle or some other little candy everytime she would go pee in the potty. Maybe you could do the same everytime she sits on the potty. Once she is peeing in the potty for a couple of days straight you can stop giving her the treat. We also made sticker chart which my daugthter loved you could do that and everytime she sits on the potty put a sticker on the chart and give her one if you don't want to do the candy idea.

She might not be ready but if you think she is mature enough, then keep it up. Actually the fact that something cold ran down her legs scared her. That is a good sign. It means that she does not like it. We did this with my daughter. I did put her in panties and then took her to the toilet every so often. We actually bypassed the potty. She sat on the toilet with the help of a small toilet seat. When she managed to do anything, I praised her and gave her a treat.
When she peed on herself, she did not like the feeling and so we were potty trained in a few days. Just be patient. Use rewards.

A.

I agree with the color changing pull ups idea. I wouldn't rush it and stress her out and you. Give her a few more months.

Yes. Put her back in diapers and try again in a few months.

Her reaction is normal. I successfully potty trained my 2 girls. 6 yr old and 2 yr old. My 2 yr is now completely trained. She did have problems excepting the potty in the beginning but I continued to encourage her to use it. One way she accepted it was everytime I went I put her pot in the bathroom with me and she would sit on her's as well. Finally she got adjusted and skipped using her pot on to the toliet in no time. It is a job and does take work so just keep at it. As well in the day continue to put her panties on and use the pullups at night and on outings. She will adjust and be comfortable.

I would wait a bit longer. Was she yelled out for going in her pants? She may be fearful of being "bad" again. Do you allow her to watch you use the restroom? Sounds gross, but that is what I did with both of mine so they would know how it works and that you did not fall down into the drain.

Make it fun for her with rewards and such. Also, try using pull ups then graduate into panties. Pull ups now have symbols on them that disappear when wet and they are easy for her to pull up and down as well as for you to change if needed. Give her a star on her chart every time she goes potty and stays dry. After a determined period, give her something she has been asking for toy, trip to a special park, etc.

You can find free potty training charts online to print out. Hang in there, it will happen.

J. S.