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Original poster

how much can/should a nanny help with potty training?

30 replies

kissmummy · 02/01/2010 19:10

Our wonderful nanny seems very half hearted about it. i had a go at training DS myself a few months ago. i followed an intensive potty training programme (Gina Ford) and it was a disaster. DS wasn't ready, and after a day of misery, i thought it best to leave it for a while. i think he is ready now.
DS is a very, very energetic little boy and staying indoors for a couple of days will be really hard on everyone. I need back up from our nanny, who we love and is fantastic in every other way, and am not sure how to approach the issue. I have tried to encourage her to be proactive about it before and she has said she doesn't think we should "force it". (i agree, but i don't think having a proper attempt is forcing it.) Is it reasonable for me to ask her to do a day or two of intensive training? (meaning staying indoors?) it seems like she is going to need a lot of encouragement to really roll her sleeves up on this one. does anyone have any thoughts/advice?

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FabIsGoingToBeFabIn2010 · 02/01/2010 20:02

I have only potty trained one child when a nanny but 3 as a mum.

I was just told by the mum we were doing it and got on with it.

Sounds like your nanny doesn't want to be bothered with the hassle and the mess.

Original poster
kissmummy · 02/01/2010 19:58

My DS is 2.5 months old and i think he is ready but i'm not totally sure...K75 am very interested in your technique. didn't know about porta potties but they sound good...it would be a lot less traumatic if he could still do his normal activities. i don't have any experience in potty training as DS is my only child so was just going with GF advice on staying in. if it can be done effectively around daily activities then hooray!

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K75 · 02/01/2010 19:42

Are you sure he's ready; for a boy I would say 2.7 or so? We just did DD1 at 2.5 and didn't need to stay in as she was truely ready; had done lots of evening practice (bottom clothes off from about 5pm to bedtime for a few weeks). Bought a porta potty and business as usual. Took her about 3 days and now (10 days later) uses toilet etc. herself (needs help with cleaning after poo), flushes and washes her hands. I also tried earlier as per GF; too early and my DD1 went stir crazy she is an outside girl. So glad now I waited and made it easier on everyone.

On the nanny point; ours was v supportive on whatever I wanted to do.

nannynick · 02/01/2010 19:38

Why would it mean staying indoors? Could your nanny not just take a lot of spare clothing and things to clear up any mess when going out? That way any usual outings, like toddler group, could still be attended.

Nanny should be backing you up and going along with how you want things done but I do feel they should also be trying to keep doing the usual things rather than being confined to home.

nannyl · 02/01/2010 19:18

how many days / hours a week does your nanny do?

Personally i think that if you as the parent want to potty train your child then nanny has to go along with it etc as he is your child and its up to you...
But just bear in mind if your nanny genuinely thinks your child isnt ready (she might have had more experiance potty training than you a realise that he isnt ready)
If she just cant be bothered to deal with accidents then she is being unreasonable.

perhaps you could start at the weekend so Monday will be the 3rd day, by which time if he is really ready will be having some sucess.

Once you go to pants its not fair IMO to go back to nappies (as it confuses child), so if YOU are sure your child is ready then go for it....

children who really are ready are mostly dry within a week or 2 anyway, and if they arnt then they wernt ready in the 1st place, and although at the time it may seem tedious, it really isnt that bad!

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