2 1/2 year old scared to use the potty

elizabeth232003

i have a two year old son who turns three in january.  he totally understands potty training --he can hold it and tell me when he has to go.  the problem is that he is terrified of the toilet.  or potty seat.  or fun turtle attachment for the toilet.  anything related to a toilet or potty seat. we've tried every bribe in the world.  toys he really wants or cookies and he says he doesn't want them if he has to go on the potty seat.   he only wants his diaper.  even if i know he has to go and i put him on the toilet he tenses up and acts scared and cries and refuses.  i'm not sure if we should take a break from the whole thing or keep at it.  any advice?

paula81rosenthal

My daughter has been the same way and she will be 3 in December. I finally took a break from it. She has asked to go potty a couple times and did so with no fear, but the next time I tried she cried. I am at a loss of what to do. For me, the worst part is getting those looks and the statements from family members and friends who are "shocked" that she is not PT'ed.

I think I am going to try more potty books and movies and get some of her older friends over and she can see them using the potty.  

jen_aggie05

I'm in the same boat. DS went potty in the bathtub yesterday (not a new thing) and for the first time he noticed and freaked out! He is fine when he has to go in his diaper but freaks out otherwise. I think we'll just take a break from it.  He's just not ready yet.

californiafrog7905

My DD is a bit younger than yours, so for what this is worth: She did the same thing around a month ago, refused to sit on any potty or toilet, didn't even really want to run around naked, insisted on having her diaper, etc.  I finally gave up trying to force it, and really stayed far away from any talk or suggestions or hints toward going on the potty for a couple of weeks.  This week, she's very open to all of the above!  No success stories yet but she happily sits on the potty whenever I ask her to (I've been giving her an M&M for sitting on it, with incentives for more if she pees/poops; no idea if this is helpful or not but we're still at step #1) for a good long while, and no more refusal.  I feel like they just need to feel like they have control over when they interact with potty training, you know?  At least mine does! HTH