My 31/2 yr old is terrified of potty training, what can I do?

My daughter is 31/2 and refuses to wear anything other than nappies. She screams if I take her nappy off and then holds herself and panics. She gets almost hysterical and I give in and put her nappy back on because I cant bear to see her so upset. She wont sit on the potty and tells me she is frightened of it. She wont use the toilet so we brought another potty but that has helped, she wont go on that on either. My other daughter is 18 months old and I started to try to potty train her in the hope that it will show my oldest there is nothing to worry about. But whenever my youngest is on the potty or in pants my eldest freaks out and starts panicing. I dont want her fears passed to my youngest. What should I do?

Answers:
First off, don't listen to the rude people who are attacking your parenting skills. 3 1/2 is not really all that old. I've had friends all over the potty training spectrum...those that forced the issue way too young, and those who let their children learn when they were ready. A couple different friends of mine had similar problems with their girls. In both cases the girls potty trained after turning 5. The girls were happier because they got the loving attention they wanted, and the parents didn't have to worry about a fight. Your daughter is only a baby once. Keep her in diapers, and forget about potty training either one of your girls. Let the older one let you know when she's ready, or try to push her when she turns 5. I'm not at the potty training stage yet, but have you wondered why baby diapers come in such huge sizes. A friend was telling me that a size 6 diaper easily fits a child of 50 pounds. Pull-ups and such can even be a few pounds higher. Something tells me you're not the only one, with this issue. You sound like a reasonable and good parent. Good luck!

You have to be persistant, otherwise the kid will NEVER to toliet trained.I know that you definately don't want this to happen. If you continue to have problems in this area, you better take him in for psychological evaluation.

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My 31/2 yr old is terrified of potty training, what can I do?

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