Free Republic

It seems as though the difficulties of teaching elementary school never end for teachers. Between lesson planning, keeping a group of children together and quiet in the hallways, and dealing with parent complaints, the job is certainly not for the weak. However, it may be more challenging now than ever as diaper changing is added to many kindergarten teachers' ever-growing list of responsibilities. Kindergarten teachers are realizing that most of their students were never potty trained. Many teachers are asking themselves, why now? Up until recently, kindergarten students were fully potty-trained and had been for years, with the exception of...

German bathroom manufacturers are developing “multicultural toilets” to help ensure Middle Eastern migrants need not adapt to European sanitation norms. Multiple reports have emerged of recent arrivals finding themselves utterly “mystified” by Western loos. Some have resorted to doing their business on the floor or outdoors, others have used showers, and many migrants will have never seen toilet paper before. For Muslims, it is important that when using a toilet, one’s back does not face Mecca. In addition, latrines for men and women have to separate from each other, and the floor cannot be green in colour, because that is...

I'm curious how usual this is. Our oldest grandson just turned three. He's been going potty by himself for just a little more than one year, but has the most unusual method.He shuns the training potty and the little seat which keeps him from falling through the big hole. If an adult tries to help (grandparents, parents, anyone), he pushes them out the door so we have to peek in a crack to make sure he's doing it right. He climbs up on the seat, squats with one foot on each side and dangles his junk down so he hits...