Hello!

I’m having trouble toilet training my 3 year old princess! My son was a breeze but she’s terrified. Can anyone offer any advice on what worked for them. Thanks.


Want more real mum questions sent to you?

You'll need to check this email to complete your signup.
  • Use the potty as a toy for a start so Princess sees it as fun, not as a chore. Then sit next to her in the bathroom and let her watch a video or read a story while she is having a sit. Hopefully, she will see the potty as fun, not a chore.


  • Hi everyone, thank you! Yes I’ve used a potty & a seat that he’s on the toilet & she even has the doll that does wee’s lol! I just don’t think she’s ready yet, I’ll wait until summer I think because with all these layers on she might find it a bit difficult
    Thank you all so much


  • I am wondering about the terrified part, are you using the large toilet or a pot? If you are using the toilet for her, maybe it is to large and intimidating for her, a potty is more child sized . Look for signs like fidgeting and sit her on the pot when you spot this. Just remember to praise when she uses the potty and simply clean up and leave it at that when accidents happen. The golden rule is stay calm and be patient. Good luck and best wishes to you both.


  • We started our daughter off by using a potty so that way she could do it all by herself like a big girl. we used rewards when she used the potty and before long she wanted to use the toilet like a big girl. we also left her in her wet undies for 5 mins or so, so that she understood what it felt like when she refused to use it. It might also be worth taking her to see the dr to make sure there is nothing else going on.. Good Luck..


  • It depends on what she is scared of. One she might not be ready, if she is scared of the toilet, maybe a potty would work? Or if she doesn’t like a potty, how about a seat that goes over the toilet? You could also get one of those dolls that go to the toilet and show her that the doll goes to the toilet and is ok so she could too. Some kids are scared they are going to fall in, so maybe even let her go on the grass outside (if suitable area avaliable) until she feels better about it. Other wise give it a month or two and try again.


  • It’s exasperating when you think you have a handle on something & they prove you wrong :(. I would say to let her do it when she’s ready but at 3 it sometimes poses difficulties for them that you don’t want them faced with. The seat with the stairs that attach to your loo is a good idea, and being offhand about the whole process, but enthusiastic when there’s success.


  • When you say shes terrified …hhmm im wondering if you mean she scared to sit on the potty or are you trying to get her to use the toilet?
    If its the toilet then its understandable…the fear of falling in or even the fear of falling off. Imagine if you were that height. Purchase one of the seats that clip over the existing toilet seat and have steps and handles so that she has something to hold and feels safe. That might help.


  • Reward work well not food tho try a sticker chart and make the toilet fun so she wants to go


  • my daughter was so easy to toilet train but this time around with my two almost three year old son it was harder so i let him decided when he was ready and sure enough he started asking to use his potty and wear his lighting maqeen jocks lol


  • A friend told me to let them wet themselves and their pants and dont change them straight away so they feel yucky that they realize they need to poo or pee in potty. Not the cleanest solution but they swear by it.


Post your reply
Add a photo
Your MoM account


Lost your password?

Enter your email and a password below to post your answer and join MoM:

↥ Back to top

Thanks For Your Star Rating!

Would you like to add a written rating or just a star rating?

Write A Rating Just A Star Rating
Join