grandparents started potty training

[rachelbell]

our 20 month old DD is looked after by my mum once a fortnight while I'm at work. I had said to her I would start potty training possibly in a couple of months/when we get time as have been really busy recently and house is upside down with decorating. Also my DD hasn't shown that many of the signs of being ready so we weren't really in a rush.

Today my stepdad decided to buy a potty for her and left it out in the living room. She was keen and used it twice, so I guess that's potty training started. DD is at a childminder the rest of the week. I had wanted to find a quiet weekend to start potty training, but also aware that the message should be consistent from all, and potentially confusing if she's to now use nappies for the rest of the week.

Just looking for some advice as she is our first. Do childminders usually get involved with potty training? Do me and DH have to go ahead and start now or is it possible to delay?

My CM was happy to get involved, she's done it loads over the years. However DD had it cracked of her own accord over 1 weekend so CM hasn't needed to help.
If your Dd is happy to wee on the potty then great, I'd say encourage it at home but my DD hasn't had a problem with switching between using the toilet at home and putting a nappy on for a wee if we're out and only portaloos available (she's a bit fussy about what kind if loo seat there is!) and taking the nappy off straight away.
She can and will hold on for hours after asking if the seat available isn't to madam's liking but I prefer to let her have a nappy on for a minute then get on with life.
So I'd say as many wees in the potty as possible (it'll save you money if nothing else!) but whack a nappy on if needed

Meant to add that until yesterday dd wouldn't even go near a potty so would have been pointless for us to take one with us!

My parents did this with my DD. They cared for DD 3 days a week. Potty training began (I did agree in advance) and I followed their example. DD was dry and clean, night and day by 20 months.

DS on the other hand, took matters into his own hands. He refused to potty train at all until he was 3.5 years old. Then he trained himself overnight (he just declared that he didn't need a nappy any more and he never wore one again). I wonder what granny would have made of him .

I'd go with the flow (so to speak) so long as your DD is happy to carry on trying.

with my DD1 we had a potty out at home and she was naked at home and weed in potties but wore nappies at nursery and out and about. we started this around 18/20 months. at 2y4m we went straight to pants overnight and no accidents at all so I think you can go slow and steady with it without confusing things too much

Thanks very much for the advice everyone, and sorry for the delay in replying!