My child is really scared of the toilet. What should I do?

Thetoilet is quite a strange thing when you're 2 or 3 years old. It's big, with a hole, it splashes, and it makes a lot of noise! Put yourself in your child’s shoes. Don’t force your child to use the toilet. Choose quiet moments to just look and listen. Tell your child that he or she doesn’t have to go on it. If necessary, hold your child, let him or her watch from a distance, or pick him or her up so your child feels safe. Flush the toilet together once: what a racket, huh? Take your child with you when you go to the toilet yourself and explain what’s happening. For example, “All the poop and pee go to the sea.”

Make sure you have a good toilet seat reducer and a step stool at home. Also, take your child with you to check out other toilets when you’re out and about.

Go at your child’s own pace and follow their lead. Does your child want to use the potty? That’s fine too—just keep practicing. Sometimes children are almost potty-trained before they make the switch to the toilet. By then, they’re often a little older, and it feels less intimidating. That’s perfectly fine.

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