My almost 2.5 year old was showing a basic level of potty readiness - talked about who was using the potty, can follow directions, would have somewhat regular dry periods during naps, was able to tell us when he was peeing and pooping, etc. Overall he's a bit more delayed compared to his older sister, he has a minor speech delay and generally seems younger and less independent than she did at the same age, but otherwise had what I would consider a base level of interest and cognizance over the last few months. Also we're going on a cruise in 2 months where he could only go in the pool if potty-trained; we wouldn't have trained him just for that, but with the readiness signs + a 3 day weekend, we thought the timing might work out well.

So wrong! The first day wasn't that bad because of the novelty. Underwear, treats, etc. were motivating for interest, though we had a lot of accidents but he seemed okay. A couple moments of resistance to sitting on the potty but easily resolved. Yesterday he woke up and was much more resistant to participating, tons of accidents, lots of sitting on the potty and wiggling uncomfortably where I could tell he had to go but just couldn't release it. Today was better because he was figuring out to hold it more (less accidents), but worse because he just barely would agree to sit on the potty unless I was bribing him just to sit. I asked him if he was scared and he said yes.

So the question now is, what do I do as far as pausing training? I have read about how you shouldn't go back to diapers, but I haven't found anyone explain what to actually do! Do I put him in pull-ups during the day instead? Do I ask or encourage him to use the potty, or not talk about the potty at all? Do we just pretend it didn't happen? Do we ask him what he wants to do? I'm just sort of lost as to how to not go back, but not move forward. Would love any advice!