We've been trying to potty train our son on and off since he was 2 years old. He's now about 2½

We had previously asked for some advice from a lady in our church who has had 8 children. She simply suggested that he would learn best from watching other people. At first we bought him a special set that would go on the toilet but he didn't like it. My wife struggled with him on that for awhile, but he hated it.

Now we have a special toilet for him, miniature size. He isn't afraid of it, and often uses it as a stepstool. I've sat on the toilet with him sitting next to me reading as I read and go, but he doesn't go.

When he needs to go he hides. Once he did go a little in his miniature toilet and I was careful to praise him and give him love and affection, but he hasn't done it again so I can't continue the reinforcement.

The few times that he has mentioned that he needed 'caca' and we brought out his toilet he ran from it and hid and did his business in his diaper. He understands the difference between 'pichi' and 'caca' and has observed me go many times. After I'm finished, he knows to close the lid and flush the toilet.

Although he's 2½ there are communication problems because he's bilingual. He doesn't express himself in complete sentences, rather he mixes his Spanish and English. We don't live in the USA so I don't have access to the books, dolls, and other recommended items.

Any advice would be appreciated.