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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.

  • I never took a potty anywhere, where ever we went we found the toilet so we always knew where it was.

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  • Seeking out a toilet when the kids need to go teaches them bladder control and that there’s a time and a place for toileting. Both my children were always whisked to the toilets and never had an accident, even when waiting in a queue. At home we had a potty in the bathroom/toilet and in the beginning for our first born in the main room, when we didn’t have visitors. Children need the same privacy considerations that we do. If your not prepared to sit down and wee in public, why should children have to? At the very least the dad should have found a more secluded area for his child to go. I suppose he was worried about being accused of something inappropriate, which is sad. But still, even if it was just round the back of the toilets, it would have been better.

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  • I wouldn’t do it. I’d find a toilet ASAP or at least try to find somewhere with some privacy. Accidents happen and it can sometimes be a good thing to teach them about being more aware of when they need to go, rather than at the last minute. Using a potty anywhere, anytime could get them accustomed to being able to go as soon as they need to which isn’t the case when you’re older.

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  • When we were little Mum kept a potty (in a plastic bag) in an old handbag in the car boot. We also did that with my nieces and nephews. One of them in the early stages wouldn’t use the “big” toilet so we used the potty in the public toilet cubicle. It was used at my Aunty’s place under the back verandah once when she wasn’t home. On the spur of the moment she had decided to go shopping. If we were in a country area and there was no bushes or trees we could go behind we would open both side passenger doors and the child could use the potty without everybody driving past being able to see. asap it was always rinsed out and washed with disinfectant.

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  • Not in public there is no need its just embarrassing for everyone

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  • They could’ve been in training phase. Or better yet couldn’t hold or had to wee his pants.id prefer a kid be able to go

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  • I think its not right to let your child use a potty in public. If a child is potty trained then he/she is also trained about going to toilet before leaving the house or they know their urge to do potty these are the things which are signs that a child is read for potty training. If a child is potty trained then they should be trained that this is a private affair and needs to be done in private. If a parent is not sure whether the child is fully potty trained or not then they should use nappies atleast when they are out or about.

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  • I agree with the parents who said if the kid can’t wait 30 seconds to get somewhere a little more discreet then they aren’t ready for potty training yet. I never did anything like that!

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  • No I wouldn’t. When out and about use the toilet. The baby change areas have the smaller kids toilets in them.

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  • I don’t change my children in front of people. I expect my body to be private and I offer them that same respect.


    • Good comment, teach them to respect their bodies not flaunt it around for every one to see.

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  • How on earth do you cart a potty around? Especially if it’s full?


    • This is exactly what I was thinking. Definitely don’t want to be carrying one around.



      • There are travel potties. I had one. The rubber inset comes out and the seat folds down almost flat. You can even place the seat onto a proper toilet. I believe it’s called potty-u. We never used ours when traveling, but it was a great in between thing.

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  • Oh. Absolutely not. I would never bring a potty with me to use in public, and I definitely wouldn’t like to see a child using it in front of me.

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  • No, I wouldn’t like to see or do this!

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  • Right time and place

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  • I’m far from the toilet training stage with my son at the moment, so ask me again in a couple years. But I can’t help but feel, while toilet training, children should be taught the appropriate place to do their business and wherever they want in public is not that place. Especially seems an adult would be fined.

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  • No I wouldn’t. When my child wouldn’t cope yet I would either use a nappy pantz in those situations or go to the public toilets.

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  • Um, no. You find a public toilet or a big bush to hide behind. This dad obviously didn’t want to lose his place in line, which is just lazy. He should have taken the kid to the loo before lining up. There’s a time and place, and this wasn’t the place!

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  • If they were in a line, I’m sure he didn’t want to loose his spot to take his kid somewhere more discreet, especially if it was busy and they were waiting a while. I used to bring my potty out, but I would try hide away. I definitely think parents are all just doing their best!

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