So, as many of you may have noticed, our August Bank Holiday was spent cooped up at home as we started toilet training. I really don’t see why children aren’t born with a full set of teeth along with being able to self train. Don’t worry, no children were harmed in the making of included photos. I can’t rule out emotional damage to all household members, including Junior who was abandoned.
The potty was promptly kicked by Missy into the corner
I hadn’t read a lot on the matter before beginning and I will admit to being stressed about it which definitely transferred to Missy. She had been showing good signs that she was ready for it by saying she didn’t want to wear nappies, following her friends into the toilet at creche and even peeing in the middle of Granny’s hallway! Granted, she still has wet nappies at night but that’s ok. So off to Mothercare I went to pick out the most inviting toilet seat and potty not knowing which she would rather. Mistake no. 1 – should have brought Missy with me to pick them out.
Saturday morning came and not a bother to Missy, she used the toilet twice without a fuss. As the morning went on she’d let us know by her little dance that a pee was imminent. Mistake no. 2 – The Dad and I would be like “ok, quick to the toilet”. Missy would run and not make it on time or run and hit her toe and it was tears from there. After two or three accidents she didn’t want to go anywhere near the toilet and by 5pm wanted to go to bed!!!!!
My heart was just broken for her, she was so upset. On Sunday we were much more laid back and more prepared for accidents, and sure enough it was accident after accident and Missy wouldn’t even step inside the bathroom.
Monday; new day, new plans. We set about just getting Missy into the bathroom and standing on the step. Her doll Katie demonstrated everything. Katie was brought to the toilet more times than me on a night out with a crappy bladder. Slowly, slowly, we managed to get her to sit on the toilet with the lid closed and, after much encouragement, we got her to use the toilet..twice :-). Result, we were on our way to having a somewhat toilet trained toddler.
It didn’t last long. Tuesday morning, nope, no way was she going, and was clever enough to not let me take off her nappy until she was finished. Clever little fox! In creche it went ok as she used their toilets and had some accidents. They are the cutest setup, little cubicles, with little red doors and red toilet seats. The sinks are mini too and watching her go about getting the soap, turning on the tap, all so independently, was just fab.
Home again and no way was she using the toilet. So we figured let’s just get her going in creche and going at home will follow. Mistake no. 3 – Assuming anything.
On picking Missy up from creche she was in great form but her coat hook had countless plastic bags with all of the soiled clothes. It hadn’t been a good day. It transpired she didn’t even want to use their cute red toilets and just started getting really upset when they brought her in.
Even the art work had to use the toilet
For now it’s back to nappies for a few weeks as there’s no way we can have her that distraught. I need to read more on how to remove the fear she has of the toilet. I’m hoping that if we don’t talk about it and just leave the toilet seats in the bathroom, she might just point one day and say “I’m ready”. Wishful thinking, I know.
My heart is still broken for Missy and how upset she got. Her talking in her sleep increased with the stress since Saturday. We can hear her say “I don’t want the toilet”, “I want mummy to bring me”, “I don’t want a shower”.
I hope you all have better stories to share, or even advice for us.
