my daughter has bee sensing the need to 'go' for a while now and if left with bare botty will always ask for a nappy back on when she needs a wee/ pooh. so a few weeks back i got her potty to try and encourage her to use that instead of putting a nappy back on! she will sit on it no prob but refuses to do anything on it.

i know alot of children have problems parting with their wee etc on pottys/ toilets and i'm really in no rush to have her go on the potty i just thought it would be more comfortable for her that way. i have tried small bribes to encourage to use potty but shes having none of it!

anyone else been through the same with their toddler? and got any advice/suggestions from their own experiences

My only advice is that you should let her get used to the idea of a potty, by just having it around, let her wear it as a hat, put her dollies on it, whatever creative idea's she can come up with for playing with it.

Get a good childrens book about potty training, my daughter particularly loved 'The Little Princess - I want my Potty' book. Talk about big girls using the potty/toilet.

As disgusting as it sounds let her see you use the toilet and even look at what you've produced so that she gets a full understanding of what it is she will one day be expected to do and to de-mystify it. Don't forget it's a whole new experience for her.

But don't rule out the fact that your asking your child to do something that they never see anyone else do, and perhaps getting her a toilet seat and stool might work better.

The important thing is that it comes from her, not from you, you plant the seed of the idea of using the potty/toilet she lets it germinate until she's ready to do it herself. Make sure that using the toilet/potty is a positive and exciting development in her growing up.

thank you silly cat, you have been very re assuring and supportive

i got told to tell my son that the shop had run out of nappies and i had bought him big boy pants instead and as sceptical as i was i did it and to my surprise it actually worked and when he used the potty i gave him lots of praise an when he had an accident i didnt scold him for it and now he only has the odd accideent...hope this is of some use for you

thanks. i brought night garden pants dora pants fifi pants etc lol she wont even put them on, if i refuse her a nappy she holds al day if need be and has even learnt if she drinks/ eats it makes her need to go so refuses that aswell its not worth all this so i am just leaving her ion the nuddy at home and when she says she needs a wee/pooh i try and encourage her to use potty instead of nappys hoping one day she will just crack and use it !!

thanks so much for ur advice though xxxx