NORMAL service has been resumed, readers! After a couple of weeks away from work, I am back, suitably rejuvenated and revitalised.
As for the wee woman, she is heartily enjoying her new position as a fully fledged two-year old, having just celebrated her birthday at the end of last month.
In addition to the much appreciated horde of presents bestowed upon the little lady to mark this important occasion, she is now the very proud owner of one very pink potty.
And, good though my intentions are - I've read almost every 'Guide to potty training' I can find and listened to countless anecdotes from successful parents - I haven't actually got much further than introducing the wee woman to her potty and helping her to sit on it.
As a result, the potty has become a welcome addition to the wee woman's play room of choice, and her darling Fifi doll is a regular user of said pink object.
I can't say exactly how I have become so apprehensive about the idea of potty training the wee woman, but it is something that strikes fear into my bones.
Having heard all the useful advice from parents who have managed to overcome the hurdle of coaxing a stubborn toddler into abandoning their beloved nappy, I am even more convinced that I will fail at the challenge.
I just can't seem to grasp how I'm going to be able to explain the basics of using something other than her nappy to her and, while potty training is a stage of life that most parents cruise through without any lasting nightmares, I am still terrified.
Fully conscious of the idea that any vibes of worry will pass from me straight to the wee woman via process of parental osmosis, I feel sure that she will resist my attempts at potty training the moment they commence.
Maybe I'll just leave the whole thing to the hubby who, in his role of Super Dad, manages not to show even the slightest hint of worry about any new stage of the wee woman's childhood, believing instead in the much practiced mantra: "She'll be grand."
Regardless of all my worries about potty training, though, one thing's for sure. It will happen. And it will only happen when the wee woman herself is fully ready for it to happen. Until then, I might just try and grab another 'Guide to potty training' for good measure.



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