Comments on: MomAdvice Friday: Potty Training Woes

By: Erin

Erin — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 16:05:00 +0000

Take her to the bathroom at the center yourself before you leave in the morning, and when you get there to pick her up. When my son was in kindergarten, he would not go at school, and I had to make sure he went to the bathroom right before he left school. She probably will go with you there, and soon enough she’ll start doing it on her own.

By: Bee

Bee — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 15:03:00 +0000

Would it be possible to walk home from nursery?

It sounds as if there could be a pattern of getting into the car, relaxing as she's somewhere 'safe' and letting it all go. If it's only a short walk it'll keep her focused until you're safely home.

If the car is a must, if might be worth swapping whichever side she sits in to break the developed pattern.

If it really is a developing fear of public poos, rather than just a relaxing after a fun/busy time at nursery, try her out with visits to friends or family. Does she seem confident there? If so gradually work up to the more public settings.

Best of luck with it.

By: pogren

pogren — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 20:51:00 +0000

Avlor’s suggestions are great! My grandson was also very afraid of the noise when the toilet was flushed. Going first and then having them go (of course not flushing in between) is a great option if it’s not a tinnnnnny toilet in the school.Pam, South Bend

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 17:30:00 +0000

Some kids are like that. Both my daughters were like that. Even when they got in Jr. High and High School if you were in the way when they came in the door you would get knocked over. They would throw their books down and head for the potty. They are now 22 and 32 and still will not use a public restroom unless its an extreme emergency

By: Tamara

Tamara — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 15:56:00 +0000

I had a ton of trouble getting my son to go away from home too. Luckily, he could hold it all through school until we got home.

But since I wanted him to go other places, we stopped by the potty on arriving at school and before we left. He would go if I was with him and did not give him the option not too. In fact, we did this that whole first year and when he started school the next year he would go and use the potty at school on his own without any help.

By: Avlor

Avlor — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:36:00 +0000

I wonder if the child is afraid of the sound (my son hates loud sounds). Identifying the cause of the fear will probably help most.

Thoughts if Melissa hasn't tried these:
- Try going first and then letting the child see that all is well.
- Try flushing when child is out of the room. (if it's the sound)
- Bring a potty chair?
- Let her bring a doll or something (washable) to have the dolly go potty too?