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A mum has asked if she is being unreasonable to think it is wrong when parents allow their child to use a portable potty in public…

Taking to Mumsnet to ask for advice, a concerned mum has asked if she is being unreasonable to think parents shouldn’t allow their children to use a potty in public. The mum says that her own children are not yet at the potty-training stage, but feels that subjecting the general public to the process is wrong.

Out In The Open

The mum says she was standing in line at a local event when the unexpected happened.

“I went to a fair today,” she wrote. “There was a kid and their dad in the queue. The dad whips out a potty and the kid does their business right there and then!”

With so many people also in the line, the mum says she felt the decision was a little inappropriate.

“Is this what I have to look forward to?” she asked. “Would most people at least go and hide in a bush or something? There were loads of people around and the place was heaving.”

A Time And A Place

Comments on the mum’s post were divided with some agreeing that parents should try and find a more private space before allowing their child to use a potty.

“I never did this with either of mine,” one mum wrote. “What happens if you are in a restaurant? Or a school play? If your child can’t wait even a minute they’re not ready.”

“I saw someone whip one out in the frozen section of our local supermarket and vowed never to use one,” another said.

Others, however, were quick to rush to the dad’s defence.

“I have done similar many times,” one mum shared. “I’m pretty sure I was judged, especially by those who have no idea what potty training entails or how difficult it can be.”

“I’d be grateful if my child used a potty rather than just pulling her pants down and going on the ground every time I turn around!” another said.

While we can understand the benefits of a portable potty when training your child, we do think this dad could have been a little more discreet. And the frozen food section is definitely a step too far!!

Do you think it’s wrong to let your child use a potty in public? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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  • With my 3 kids i never used one in public like that. Actually my youngest refused to use a potty and went straight from nappies to a toilet seat.

    Reply

  • I’ve never used a potty, so I don’t even think my children would know what I was doing. But sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

    Reply

  • My child wouldnt use a potty insisted on toilet usage all the way

    Reply

  • When you have more than one child and one won’t leave the playground for their sibling to use the toilet, I have used a portable potty for this!

    Reply

  • It’s hard when your little one declares that they need the loo when in public but at least wait until you can find somewhere private. What if it was a big poo, everyone would see it in the potty and the dad dad eould have to carry that outside whilst looking after the child, no thanks!

    Reply

  • I don’t see the problem if you want to use one, but at least ‘try’ to be a little discrete about it

    Reply

  • I know he was doing his best. When desperate you do these things and he was obviously prepared. My mind goes to the next stage though of hygenie and also pedophiles and definetly don’t think out in the open is the best place if you have a choice.

    Reply

  • People should probably find a more private place to do this sort of thing.
    I think it would be super uncomfortable for people around not to mention the child having to do their business in front of all these other strangers!

    Reply

  • I never even took my potty out and about! If I did, I would definitely find a discreet place for its use. I’m wondering what was done with the potty contents after….

    Reply

  • Yeah not the right place. Making sure kids go to the toilet before leaving home, or leaving the place you are, I get accidents happen, and the urge is not always felt, but teaching them privacy, and the right and wrong place, and helping them understand the urge…….

    Reply

  • This was definitely the wrong place to let his child use the potty. I’d have been mortified if my husband had done this for my boys.

    Reply

  • I think it is important to teach kids about privacy.I never done that.


    • I agree! Privacy is important and teaching privacy and awareness is essential.

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  • Absolutely not! Children of all ages need to learn where it is appropriate to use a toilet for multiple reasons.

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  • Definately no. Teach them right from the word go where they are suppose to go and not in front of everybody

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  • Discretion is key. Right in front of everyone is too far. Hubby used to carry one on the back of his ute- in situations where you’re on a long road trip and you may not be near a toilet it’s necessary or if there is just no toilet around. So long as you hide behind something and don’t leave anything behind it’s fine.

    Reply

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