I don't want to potty train. I just don't. Completely U, I know...

[MaebyF]

DD has just turned 3. We haven't tried potty training as she's not shown too many signs of being interested, and we also don't have a baby so changing 3-4 nappies a day has hardly been an issue. Even the CM hasn't thought DD is massively ready.

Now we have a long weekend ahead of us with no plans and it does seem a good opportunity to give it a go.

But... but... I just don't want to! I know she needs to learn at some point. I know that every parent goes through it at some point. I just want someone to wave a magic wand and for DD to be trained already

Seriously, do I have to stay in all weekend? Or can I least sneak in a visit to soft play in the morning and then do a few hours at home? And football classes on Sunday morning? One place I read says you can build up and mix and match nappies and pants, another place says you have to do just pants for all the time they're awake...

Can someone else come and do this for me?

"I'd be interested to know how many people use this philosophy for other aspects of child rearing - table manners, sharing toys, getting dressed, helping to tidy up after yourself etc gri"

I think I tried to apply it to things that are "natural" rather than imposed by society, if you see what I mean. I tried not to get stressed about milestones, potty training, sleeping throught the night, eating, weaning, being away from me...... But I am also a stickler for manners. So we modelled thm like crazy- using please and thank you to them from babyhood, for example.

I know some "free range^ type children as well. They bring out the Herod in me............

I can see how that sort of free-range parenting would work. Children will eventually potty train, they will eventually drop their bottles etc.

I am erring towards the Hayluyt method. We're also sticklers for manners and, probably ironically, I was a proper routine mum right from the start. But with some things, I can see how it works to let the child lead at the same time.

Potty training is much like a child learning to walk or run or loosing baby teeth. Parents can help children along the way, but the child simply has to grow and develop. As parents we need to be patient and have realistic expectations. The age that your child poos on the potty does not go on their CV.

Healthy children bodies do mature on their own. As parents we help children to learn how to use their bodies and minds effectively.

Appologies only read 3 pages...

Can I ask will she sit on potty or toilet... I am a CM and there are occasions when parents say they are going to potty train little one but they won't sit on the potty or toilet..

That really need to be the first step. Is your DC? starting school this september or next...If only just 3 and not showing signs then maybe leave it a while if closer to 4 and school september I would certainly start to introduce it with with sitting on potty clothed first if they won't stories about potties...

She does sit on the potty and has recently got to the stage where she could get her trousers and pants down herself. She just doesn't like

WIth my own DS I started with the potty in the bathroom and he would sit on the potty and do a wee while I had a wee on the toilet while we ran a bath at night. , then moved to sit on potty each time he was changed. with loads and load of praise, hi fives, clapping cheering, stickers...Anything that will reinforce her to make it attractive...

As long as you try before school starts it doesn't really matter. You're the one buying the nappies and changing her, so it's your choice.