Parents of four year olds - How long on the loo?

[Smithagain]

I swear that DD1 would take about 20 minutes on the loo every time, given the choice. Even when she hurries, 10 minutes is quite normal. That's a long time when you're trying to get out of the house (we have one loo) and/or you have friends round who are also desperate to go.

I'm trying to think of positive ways of dealing with it. We had a rational conversation about it last night, where she admitted that she likes the peace and quiet in there ( she's the one that makes all the noise out here!! ) And that she doesn't like doing poos.

I've just introduced a sticker chart, which is unoriginal but she likes them. But they tend to lose their novelty factor after a couple of days.

How long should it take? Anyone with a four year old care to time them and let me know?! It's not just me - her friends and teachers are commenting on her slowness as well and she is beginning to acquire a reputation which she could do without.

Enjoy the peace and quiet yourself while she is in there . My dd poops and goes, so they are all different.

DS2 used to take FOREVER!
I once spent almost half an hour waiting outside the cubicle door in a restaurant, whilst he did what he had to do.
The rest of the family were onto dessert by the time we got back!
I don't know what to suggest, but I'm not sure if it is something they can speed up though (unless she takes ages when she's just having a wee too?), so not sure if I'd go down the reward route TBH.
Anyway, DS2 is nearly 9 - and still takes ages, but not as long as he used to!
And now he takes a book - so at least he's practising his reading!

I think girls are often slower than boys. It IS frustrating. Good luck!

LOL Lilliput. I must admit, I do like it when she has a half hour loo session after getting in from school. Gives me the chance to get tea on.

I think the frustration is that she can go quickly when she really needs to - but she doesn't appear to see the necessity for doing so when other people are hopping up and down with their legs crossed. Or the rest of the class are already dressed for PE!