C hated the snow with a wild passion last year. This year the wild passion is a love for the snow. It's been fun watch her roll around in the white stuff and giggle endlessly.
Now, on to another topic, I am seeking some suggestions. C is afraid of very little. Shrek comes to mind...that green guy will cause her to erupt in a mix of whimpers and shrieks. The one other thing that instills panic in her is causing us great grief. That thing is: commercial toilets. C is fully potty-trained (daytime) and we have no problems at home, school, family/friend homes. But, when we are out at a restaurant, the zoo, a mall, etc. C will NOT use the toilets. She screams as though being murdered at the simple mention of the potty if it involves one that has a big 'swoosh', a silver handle on a stem and no lid with a split seat. I have tried everything I can think of including sitting on the potty with her on my lap. All to no avail. Upon our last attempt I was sure someone was going to phone child services after hearing the screams caused by simply standing next to the 'bad'potty. I have tried to get to the root of the fear but this one facet of our lives is not improving and it's a killer - especially because she does not want to wear a diaper either. It makes it very hard to go anywhere. Granted, I am not a huge fan of the public toilet myself but there comes a time when a need is a need. Not for my girl, she will hold until a state of pure misery to avoid those toilets. It is so bad that I have started to pack a diaper so if she is about to pop, she will then be okay with putting the diaper on to get some relief. Anyone have any other suggestions to alleviate the public potty hysterics?
how about one of those travel foldable potty seat covers? She could use it at home and then stick it in a ziplock and bring it with you when you go out.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?sku=14907351&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=shopping
Tried the portable potty seat...no fly. Thanks for the thought though. I haven't tried it for a little while. Perhaps I will see if she feels any differently about it.
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is that she will out grow this phase at some point.... we all have our individual "issues" but none the same as yours! Hoping you find a solution!
ReplyDeleteAlyzabeth's Mommy
P.S. We have begun using the "consequences" mode, where if you tell her what should be done and she disobeys, she knows up front what the consequences are. We take away AA's computer or laptop, something she does not want to live without. Has worked every time for us (check out Dr. Rosemond methods).
ReplyDeleteAlyzabeth's Mommy
I've been there! Tahlia used to hate going into a public restroom. It's still not her favorite thing in the world, but she'll go.
ReplyDeleteWhat worked for her was post-it notes. I still carry post-it notes in my purse so that I can cover up the automatic flusher thing. I used to draw a flower or a heart or whatever Tahlia desired before sticking it to the wall. I used to do the same thing on the handles if it was a manual flush. For some reason it worked....
Has she been scared by one of the automatic flush ones? If that might be any of her concern, what if you were to take large pieces of TP and cover then entire flushing system with it so that she can be reassured that it won't flush?
ReplyDeleteThis may not be it at all and if so, hopefully others will have some helpful hints.
This is a tough one! Poor sweetie!!
Love, Love, LOVE the Panda cap!!! So very cute! I can't wait until 'Jack' is big enough for the Polar Bear hat! :o) I think next year for sure!
ReplyDeleteI have no idea about the bathroom issue. I sure hope it resolves soon. Poor girl ~ poor Mama.
Hi C & C. Just found your new blog. It's great to see you both doing well. In reference to your earlier post, yes, Christmas will always be extra special for us as well. Maddie loves the snow this year as well. And she loves her gadgets... her little 'puter, the Wii, my phone. It's uncanny how quickly they can figure out how to use this stuff. :)
ReplyDeleteHugs to you both.
She is just too cute!
ReplyDeleteNo idea how the address the public potty issue, but instead of the diapers you could try the portable porta potties (the ones that you can keep in your car and use with disposable bags - sounds yucky, but it may provide an alternative to the screaming and stress)
Good luck
You are SO not allowed to laugh. I absolutely hate using a public restroom. It took forever (till I was 16) before my mom could get me to use a public restroom. I even had a hard time at my friends' homes.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had an idea to help you. :-(
She is adorable in her little snow suit. As for the potty issue, I wish I had some sage words for you. Good luck!
ReplyDelete:) Hi Luv!! Ooo love the new digs! I was going to suggest, the "porta-seat" thingie - Tari was great with that, but you've already tried that... so I've got nothin'! You Americans! What's with "auto-flush" loos?!! I'm comin' over in May - now you've got me scared of public restrooms!! Tari WAS fully toilet trained but the last couple of weeks has been a shocker - so truly - don't listen to a word I say!!!
ReplyDeleteGlad lil C loves the snow - looks like you have lots of it!
(PS a "loo" is slang for toilet!)
:) Lee-Anne
I know several people who have used the "portable potty in the car" deal. If you have a larger vehicle, the privacy isn't an issue and there is no flushing mechanism. I believe that some models come with a self-sealing lid, as they are meant for traveling. You might give it a try.
ReplyDeleteMy suggestion would be a portable potty too. Eliza was terrified of the vacuum, blow dryer, etc. I got so tired of it by the time she was three-ish that I told her she could stop crying or sit in time out, but I would have to vacuum here and there. Needless to say, the phase will pass. I can now vacuum trauma free around here.
ReplyDeleteOK, so our girls are stylin for sure as we have almost the same panda hat :0)
ReplyDeleteI don't know what to tell you about "C" not liking the pottys. Maddy covers her ears everytime she hears one flush as she has issues with loud noises. I too take post it notes so they don't flush on her (I had read that in one of Sandra's posts a long time ago - works wonders)
So with you girl mine held on all the way from Ohio to the door at home last Oct because of the automatic flush ones. Did you know that is the only type in airports? I travel with a portable potty-chair in the car on long trips may want to keep one in the trunk. Have you tried treats, a special toy she could earn something like that?
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