Maybe this belongs on the 'other site', but as we grannies get to look after the tots quite a lot these days, maybe you'll excuse my little rant.
I have vivid memories of toilet-training my own toddlers - not that there was anything amiss with them, but I recall with horror the competition, the bragging and the one-upmanship which went on at mum and baby groups. I'm re-visiting the trauma with DGD age 28 months, and nothing has changed, (although pull-up nappies are a great innovation!)
"All my children were clean and dry at 15 months" is a common boast, and one proud mummy swears that she trained her babies by 9 months, but of course they are much more intelligent and gifted than the average child. I am left wondering why she totes around bags full of clean pants and a 'fold-up potty', and is forever wiping up little accidents!
I'm not sure that early accomplishments in the potty department are any indication of superior intelligence or extra-competent parenting, and in fact I think there may be a danger of making young children very anxious by concentrating too much on the matter. My experience tells me that they all manage it in their own good time, given gentle encouragement and a relaxed attitude.
DGD has recently been hiding in the broom cupboard so that she can poo her nappy in privacy! This has caused a few chuckles, but I feel that it shows her concern about toileting. She has a magnificent pink super-potty of a type not known to our generation, but she doesn't want to sit on it - she says "I'se too little!"
DD and I have decided to back right off and let the poor mite take her time. I would rather have a happy toddler in nappies, than a worried and anxious one in proper pants.
This is a very emotive subject and one which excites great controversy - I shall look forward to the thoughts of other grans, tho' I'm keeping my head well down!
