Potty Training Headaches!

[bright sparks]

I have to be honest but I don't see this issue stemming from any kind of preference for potty training or even the steps each individual takes towards readiness etc. The problem you are having is that you are dealing with a family who are not willing to collaborate with you. If they were, then they wouldn't have taken it upon themselves to start toilet training prior to a discussion with you. Yes I have my own set of criteria before I will start training, but I discuss this with the parents. Likewise, if a parent wants to start toilet training, they should discuss it with you first. It's not about a parent asking permission etc, but respecting the fact that you will be doing the bulk of the training given the amount of hours spent with the child, and you will also be training in a group setting which is very different than one on one.

I think like all of us have been, you are a new provider and didn't foresee this happening. A parent pulling the rug from under you! The time for discussing readiness is over IMO, it has been started and you have to move forward with it.

Stop asking the parent to bring in a pull up. Demand it...her child, YES, but this is your daycare and I would swiftly remind her that had she bothered to discuss this ahead of time then you could have agreed on the terms of training prior to these issues arising. If you want a pull up, make it mandatory and if she is displeased, quite frankly it is her own fault. If she refuses, then let her know she can not attend daycare freely soiling everywhere and she either complies or immediately terminate. I doesn't really matter what the child does at home if she is peeing and pooing all over daycare and not verbalizing her needs. Again, this problem is nothing to do with the child's abilities, age or method of training. This is a disrespectful parent who is not on an equal footing with you when it comes to childcare. Personally, I would give notice if she doesn't immediately comply with your potty training demands. Otherwise, you are in for a lot more stress in addition to what appears to be a child who isn't ready having a very rough toilet training experience.

You have to make a decision. Grin and bare it and try to make it work by taking control of the situation, or terminate. Good Luck!