OK ladies...I have no clue what to do about this. My daughter is 3 and in preschool. At her school, the bathroom is in the class and the kids go as needed and at assigned times. They try to keep the kids seperate during pottying (boys first then girls or vice versa) but the door is always open and naturally the kids see each other.
Now my little girl is refusing to sit down to pee-pee. She has spent all day trying to find a way to stand over the toilet. She's brought in every kind of step stool to get the "right angle." I've tried redirecting her, explaining that little girls have to sit to pee, down right man handling her to sit. We've cleaned up the bathroom floor, the toilet seat, her legs...and she's still trying to make it work.
I really don't want to go extreme on this with a 3-year-old, but short of giving her an anatomy lesson I don't know how to show her its not going to happen?
BTW: we are a fairly open family (especially during potty training) and daddy always sits when our girl is with him (maybe TMI)
Well I would give her a basic anatomy lesson. THere is nothing wrong with her learning that boys and girls have different parts. I am sure there are some very kid friendly books at the library that will help. She only needs a very simple explaination for her mind to understand.
I agree with the post before. The boundaries at that pre-school sound...rather...sloppy. Do you know why they have that particular style of toilet time?
They really ought to be encouraging the development and comprehension of privacy. A standard of respectful personal space taught with dignity and kindness is so important. It is a protection. Kids who have clear, respectful boundaries taught to them are better prepared to report it rather than be caught unaware by child predators.
A.,
I suggest you use books that show how kids pee and poop and explain that girls sit and boys stand. You can enlist the help of her stuffed animals and dolls to play and show how some would sit and stand. Also, be patient. Your child is 3 years old and is just experimenting. Let her know that the whole reason we go in the potty is to not make a mess everywhere and that her trying to stand when going is achieving the exact opposite.
Lastly, since you are fairly open, why not photograph her sitting when she goes and making a mini scrapbook for her?
Take Care,
F.
A.,
I think the best idea is to not make a big deal about this. When you catch her doing it, sit her down and change subject, if she inquires about it...answer swiftly. I am E.'s daughter(with 3 children). It is normal for some girls to think peeing like a boy is cool. If you don't draw too much attention, it will pass. So, every time you notice her go to the restroom, just sit her down and begin talking about something that interests her. The phase will pass as many others do. I don't think the preschool thing is bad; almost all preschools are like this, and generally teachers can be made aware if this is an issue for your child. Remember she is quite smart! She is just trying something new and notices your reaction.
E.:)
This too shall pass. Try allowing her to pee in the shower before bathtime (it washes down easily, you're going to clean her anyway, and she gets to pee like a boy -- eventually she'll be over it.)
