Potty-training

Potty-training – what a nightmare! A few weeks ago Hannah decided that she wanted to wear ‘big girl pants’ and use the toilet like Abbie and Millie. All seemed to be going really well, we duly went out to buy the new pants, brought them home and proudly put them into her drawer. She was doing well, but of course to begin with, she still had a few accidents but she really seemed to be getting the hang of it. Then, for some reason a pattern began to emerge. If she had a good day one day, she would have a bad day the next, then another good day. What is that all about?? My heart used to sink on the day after a ‘good’ day and sure enough the washing pile would be notably bigger that day. Even Abbie and Millie would ask, “Are we on a good day today, Mum?”

Potty training is also fascinating to the other children. When Hannah has been on the toilet and done a poo and I’m telling her what a big clever girl she is, the others come running from whenever they are shouting “Me see?” and we all have to take a look – oh joy! Georgia is showing no interest at all in having her nappy off, (apart from wanting to view Hannah’s efforts!) which suits me fine as the thought of doubling the amount of wet or dirty pants we go through in the house is too much to bear! I think Georgia has got it worked out, she going to watch how it’s done, check out how it all works and then maybe it’ll all just click into place for her one day – I can live in hope!

At one point yesterday I decided I wasn’t sure the washing machine could actually stand such an onslaught of washing (after the third clean set of clothes), so I asked Hannah if she’d like put a nappy back on. After I had calmed her down from crying and shouting “NO, big girl pants, no nappy mummy” I have decided to press on with it!

Well, this potty training does get interesting when you’re out and about. Recently, while at a little ‘get-together’ with some friends, at least three people glanced down at themselves and looked at me a bit horrified as I hollered “DO YOU NEED A WEE? LET ME KNOW IF YOU NEED A WEE” across the garden! You do get a bit all-consumed and pre-occupied with when the child has last done a wee and how much juice they have had to drink. You are always desperately trying to pre-empt the next need for a wee. This task is made almost impossible, if, at a party or event, your ever helpful friends give your child juice whenever they ask for it (especially, if like mine, your child doesn’t have a lot of self-control when it comes to juice consumption – and is well aware that her winning smile will get her a long way!). When I was leaving a car park after shopping the other day, I encountered another hazard of potty training. I had paid for my ticket at the pay-station and then headed to my car, loaded up three children, packed away the shopping, folded and loaded the buggy, at which point Hannah announces “wee wee, Mummy”. Fine, deep breath, unfasten Hannah and hold her over drain for wee. Great, reload Hannah and we’re all set. When we get to the barrier it transpires that my ‘exit time’ as expired! I’m not bloody surprised, I don’t think squatting two year olds over drains is allowed for when they are determining car park exit times. So I calmly push the help button at the barrier and explain the situation to the attendant. I am reprimanded for my over-stay and told that I will be release ‘just this once’, and I feel suitably chastised and a bit like a naughty school child late in from playtime