TMI Ok Let's Be Real. Provider Potty Break

[mduck]

I've heard you all say that you just have to hold it until nap time or till the kids go home. BUT I KNOW there have got to be times when you just gotta go NOW. And sometimes it's not in zip-zan-doo-quickaroo time either. What in the world do you do? What does the regs say to do? Or do they just never address it because the obvious answer is that you simply can't watch the children while in the wc with the door closed, and there is no slution to that answer, so just pretend it isn't an issue?

[Thriftylady]

I use my ears, and tell the kids exactly what I expect when I am out of the room. My little one will stand at the bathroom door crying.

[BumbleBee]

I go when I have to go. The bathroom is right by the main play area. I close the gates to the kitchen/front door area if they're open and the kids continue playing. I can hear what they're doing, just like when I make lunch I can hear what they're up to by the sound of the different toys.

No idea what regs say though.

[Josiegirl]

As long as I can see them or hear them at all times.....and it's all about timing. I try to time it when they're having a really good time playing together so there's less chance of things erupting but then there are no guarantees, right?

[Unregistered]

I either leave them in the play room the bathroom is just down the hall and gate off the kitchen. Or I use the bathroom after we've done bathroom break when they are in the hall way.

[Crazy8]

my playroom is gated on both sides, bathroom is right in the hallway, can even see thru the crack in the door if I need to, I can definitely hear everything they say/do. Our regulations do not say anything about potty breaks!

[Gemma]

I've heard you all say that you just have to hold it until nap time or till the kids go home. BUT I KNOW there have got to be times when you just gotta go NOW. And sometimes it's not in zip-zan-doo-quickaroo time either. What in the world do you do? What does the regs say to do? Or do they just never address it because the obvious answer is that you simply can't watch the children while in the wc with the door closed, and there is no slution to that answer, so just pretend it isn't an issue?

I don't have a crazy bunch of kids, I go when I need to go! ...I make sure all the kids have something to keep them busy and I excuse myself for a couple of minutes!

[spedmommy4]

Sometimes it's a little like this picture.

[mamamanda]

Sometimes it's a little like this picture.

Hahaha This is my house exactly!::They knock, they cry, they slip toys & stickers to me under the door...There is no sanctuary, but when nature calls you must answer it. At least I know where they all are & what they're doing!

[childcaremom]

Sometimes it's a little like this picture.

So true

My group is older this time so I just go when I need to. Make sure they are all occupied and playing nicely and go as quick as I can.

When my group was younger it was a little trickier and I either had to hold it or wait. And cut down on liquids

[NightOwl]

I lock the front door and the kitchen is gated off, then I dash in. I also use my ears and yell directions from the potty, if necessary. :: But they usually end up following me and I get the whole fingers under the door thing, so I know exactly where they are.

[kitykids3]

My bathroom is in the back. I run back there, leave the door open so I can hear, and quickly do what I need to do. Regs say sight OR sound. Youngstar says leaving them no more than 2 minutes.

[Blackcat31]

If I have to go, I go.

There is no special plan or 5 step procedure or secret formula.

If I have to go, I go.

None of my kids require constant or continual supervision so there is no chaos the minute I am physically out of the room.

[mduck]

I wish I could say mine are ok when I step out but.....we've got climbing and all sorts of mischief.

But maybe I'm just not normal. I can be in there for 15 mins easy. I put up a gate to block my two littles in the hallway where the bathroom is located and then crack the door. I don't know how weirded out by this a daycare parent might be BUT what other solution could they provide in a situation like this?

I mean even if I am NOT in the rest room, I turn around to find my dck climbing.

[crazydaycarelady]

I go when I need to go. The bathroom is right next to the dc room. I close the door and usually spend the whole time saying "Don't open the door" and "Stay away from the door," but you gotta do what you gotta do. Bathroom breaks are a reality.