22 month old wants to, but won't pee in the potty

[lactatinggirl]

I wasn't planning on potty training any time soon, but a few months ago DD really wanted to use the potty. At that time we gave it a half-hearted try and nothing came of it. Then about a month ago I gave it a bit more of a try and she still didn't seem to be getting it. Ever since then, keeps asking to sit on the potty. She wants me to take off her diaper and set her on her potty seat. We'll read a couple of books or sing some songs, but she never pees. She tells me she peed when she didn't. Sometimes, right after I take her off she goes pee (often hiding in a corner).

Usually when we're at home she runs around with a naked bum (I've been putting her in dresses this time around since it's cold in our house). When we're at her grandparents' house she wears underwear. We made a big deal about going to the store and buying her Yo Gabba Gabba underwear because she loves that show. She always goes with me into the potty and she even tells me what to do next (wipe, flush, wash my hands). We've read books about it.

It's like everything is in place, but it's just not happening. I keep saying we should hold off longer because she must not be ready because she doesn't do it, but then she keeps asking to use the potty. Help?

[dejagerw]

Maybe try putting her on when you think she's more likely to go.  (like in the morning, or whenever else you know she's usually going).  You could try loading her up on drinks, which will make her go more often and up the chances of getting a success.  Also, try more distraction while on the potty to keep her on longer (which will also up the chances of success).  Read books, watch a show, whatever that will captivate her attention to sit still.

[cyclamen]

DD (19mo) is doing this, too. Talks about the potty constantly, tells me before she pees, knows all the steps, runs to watch me, sits on it alot, puts her babies on it, doesn't want to wear diapers, tries to put underwear on... but didn't go on it at all.  Like we'd know she had to go, she'd tell us, we'd sit her on it, she'd wander away, and pee on the floor. 

Then, last week, we were visiting relatives on a whim and ran out of diapers before we got there.  She hadn't peed in a few hours so I think I told her something like, "You're going to sit on the special big person potty.  Go pee pee in there; don't pee on Aunty's floor."  I sat her on the toilet and she went, we cheered, and she was like, "YEAH" and kept asking to go back and sit on the toilet again, lol.

Since then, she's gone on the potty a few times.  At home she wears dresses with no bottoms too. If she starts to pee, I swoop in, say, "Oh no!" and carry her to the potty.  She totally stops peeing and then starts again when she reaches the potty.  I thought that might be too startling but she seems really pleased and cheers for herself, so I don't think it's bothering her.  We'll see how it goes, I guess.