The thing I didn't pack.

I did quite well this week. I managed enough clothes for all of us for five days. Two musical instruments, an assortment of computer type gadgets. Books, craft items, even a high chair.

The one thing I didn’t pack was a potty.

I didn’t think we needed it. I brought nappies for the two small children, and Smallest only uses the potty on an evening and not always then. So I didn’t bother.

Massive mistake. Yesterday smallest feel asleep early evening. When she woke up she complained of feeling sick. I was fairly sure she didn’t mean she was going to be sick, given I don’t think she ever has been to recognise the feeling. But she definitely wasn’t right. So we retreated to the bedroom to figure it out.

It didn’t take a genius. Tummy pains was the complaint, and she started crying that she was afraid of falling down the toilet. (For the record I’ve only sat her on once and I held her throughout. ) She needed to do more than wee, and she didn’t want to do it in her nappy, and we didn’t have an acceptable alternative. It didn’t matter how many times I explained she could use her nappy, she wasn’t having any of it. So an unpleasant night all round, and a trip to mothercare this morning.

We chose a red and pink potty, same shape and design as her potty at home, but with added Minnie mouse. And after a very quick visit to Hobbycraft, we cane back to the youth hostel and retreated to our room again.

I probably should point out right now that or room is en suite. This is a very well appointed youth hostel. So we had a suitable environment for her to first of all ignore the potty and then decide she’d try it, and then, success.

Or perhaps relief is a better word.

So that’s a parenting lesson learnt. Don’t forget the potty.