for the females

We had the same thing happen with our son when he was young.

My wife still reckons I was mean for doing it, but I put him him in one of his little brother's nappies and kept it on him for a few hours.

He never bleep in his pants again.

Call it humiliation, call me a bastard, but it worked.

Sometimes the hard decisions work. I didn't like doing it, but some of the theories of the modern pseudo psycho analysts simply do not work.

Don't be afraid because you are the grandparents. You are obviously fine people who have taken on the burden of a child out of love. I commend you and admire you. As parents you need to do what is in the best interests of the child.

Good Luck, I'm sure she'll end up well in your care.

Hope this helps,

Jim.

nah, the nly thing you and your wife have forgotten is that kids will do it whenever,wherever, and who careless!

our twoo boys pooped there paints till 8

our girl has not ever....our daughter while being "toilet trained" wouldnt go er do no 2 unless she had a nappy put back on...she could sleep all night without one

Good luck!

Hi Paul, got my main expenditure to read this and she suggests you post your question on the "Natural Parenting Forum".

http://www.forums.naturalparenting.com.au/

There are heaps of nice people there who might be able to give you good practical solutions cause only parents go there and all they discuss is babies and kids issues. Go easy on your little granddaughter, stuff we've read say it can take kids up to 5 years+ to learn to control their bodily functions, it may just be a stress related thing.

Well Paul, I'm not female, at least last time I looked. Do have 3 daughters, who are well past this stage.

On reading your post, I feel your grandaughter may have some problems about the trip to the Cape. Whether she feels she'll be left behind, or talk of travelling, croc stories or just the upheavel of leaving her comfort zone, even with Pop & Nan. Don't think some of us adults give kids enough credit for what they pick up from adult conversations.

Don't think going crook at her will help either, just exacerbates the problem. I employ about 6 18 year olds, and the only time it's wise to yell at them, is when they have demonstrated fully, that they have the commonsense of a nit.

Maybe look at finding out if she has any fears or concerns, and go from there. What about a bit of pyschology with wearing nappies again, only babies wear nappies etc, and also a reward scheme. If you and Nan can turn here around, she definitely needs to be rewarded.

Good luck, and enjoy the Cape.

Hooroo...

Exploroz.com...???? you got the right site..???

Hi Paul, I agree with Steve. Also, why not post it here. I've NEVER seen a question not get good answers here.

Our daughter did this a bit and it was stress related. Not adult stress obviously, but worried about what was going on around her. Talked to her (4 year old) and did the same "only babies wear nappies and you're a big girl" and problem solved.

We've been pretty lucky, both kids pretty much TT'd themselves. One day I just said to my son, that's it no more nappies, you're passed that and he never wet his pants. Took a lot longer to teach him to wipe his ar$e though !! :-)

Good luck and I reckon the trip's definately got something to do with it.

Cheers,

Smocky.

Paul

I've found TJM very helpful with my Jackaroo - maybe give them a try. Whatever you do stay away from OL in Adelaide.

D-Jack

I think the kids probably sh itting herself about the trip...

usually takes some change/worry for them to change so much..

Paul
Sounds like the little girl was an early learner. It is not unusual for early learners to revert for a while. I don't think anyone is sure why this happens.

Above all, no punitive stuff, frowns or reference to 'smelly' pants.

Instead be calm (yeah I know it is frustrating but don't show it).

Give rewards for the slightest compliance with potty.

Settle on some regular blocks of time where she sits on the potty (or toilet). Read a book or tell story at the time if that helps. But try not to give heavy encouragement, just be matter of fact about it being 'potty time now'. Don't ask if she feels like potty time, just instal the routine.

Be patient, it is worth it. You can have an extra drink last thing in the day for your good work ;-)

Bye the way, I'm a father.

John

Hi Paul,

if you've been talking to her about the trip, perhaps she's a bit nervous about it, my girl was 3 when she was trained, just decided herself she was a big girl and that was it, no looking back. I have to agree kids don't like being in soiled clothes, though I've never actually used the method described by Jimbo, not sure I'd advocate but it worked for him, and I guess that's the main thing, not sure I'd agree with the hose method too, but again it worked for them. I'd go gently for a few days, reinforce about her being a big girl, etc. I used a bribery method with my son [hahah..so much for positive parenting], he was eager "jocks" which was the big selling point there, especially the character ones, [I'm talking spiderman etc], and he couldn't wear them til he was trained, took about 3 days once he realised that he'd get the jocks if went to the toilet... ;)

I know you'll want her back to being fully trained by the time you go away, but perhaps some pullup pants as a back up just in case.

cheers and good luck, and remember, if she does go to the toilet, praise her and make her feel so clever - which of course she is :)

Lyn

You should be taking her to a doctor. They can provide professional advice, particularly on matters of health. The child could even have a urinary infection!

A friend had the same problem with her grandaughter of about the same age, the girl's parents were at their wits end with how to stop it, so grandma offered to have the girl for a week and using the praising method had her using the loo all the time. What happened was going down to the shops and letting the little one choose some lovely stickers and a sheet of card, they went home and decorated the card with glitter ect. to make it all very special, every time the loo was used a special sticker was stuck on the card and one given to the little one to show it off to mum and dad. It only took about 2 days and now it's 7 years later and still clean and dry. Hope all goes well and you all have a great trip.