What would you include in an EC class?

[theboysmama]

I might have the opportunity to teach an EC class ( I haven't told her yes yet). I think it could be really fun and would love to get this out there.
I would have an hour so I was thinking that I would share history of EC in other cultures, History of potty training in the US, How to EC discussion, my experience, and possible supplies for EC.

What would you add (take away)? How would you teach the class?
tia

[lisavark]

I've taught a class several times, and what I include depends on the venue. If it were solely a class to learn about EC (as opposed to an AP group, birthing class, etc.), I think your outline sounds pretty good! Except that it's kind of long. I would keep the history section very short, and probably focus it on the U.S. And then just mention briefly how EC is still practiced in many parts of the world, and list some places. In my experience, U.S. moms tend to be very fascinated (and rather taken aback) by the history of potty training in the U.S. and the fact that everyone started so much earlier up until relatively recently (although I wouldn't say that what was done here a century ago was much like EC).

But I would keep the longest section of your time for the practical how-to discussion.

Bring all your EC supplies to show off! Especially things that you don't generally see outside of EC circles. If you have any split crotch pants, ecapants, or tiny underwear, those are usually a big hit in my show-and-tells. I also usually bring our BBLP (since most people are only familiar with the bigger, taller potties) and some EC store trainers.

And leave a good bit of time (at least 10-15 minutes) for questions at the end.

Have fun! It's great to help more people hear about EC as an option!

[theboysmama]

Thanks so much.
I think I will sign up to start in January. I can choose an hour or and 1 1/2 hrs. Wwyd?

[mamatobe08]

I'm new to EC so I don't have much input, but I agree with the PP, talk about the history in the US for sure! For me, that was really what pushed me to say "Ok, this is something we NEED to do!"

[hrsmom]

I'd go for 1 1/2 hours! I would mention that people can do it part time and that it's ok to use diaper back-up if they want to. I was originally turned off by a story I read of a mom who brought a potty to her toddler while he was playing. I thought I could never do that! And as it turns out, I don't have to! And by the time I reached toddler-hood with my babe, doing something like that is no big deal! I ended up doing part time in the beginning, and that worked out great!

[pixiepunk]

i would also talk about the different varieties of EC - full-time nakey, diaper back-up, part-time (even just when waking from night and naps helps build awareness), etc. i think some people perceive it as an all or nothing deal, so knowing that it doesn't have to be that way helps.

and definitely bring along the fun 'props' of EC - people like to shop and if you have any EC books that people can flip through, bring those too.

you might also want to mention babywearing and how that can help facilitate EC.

and don't forget to tell them that pee is sterile

[weliveintheforest]

I think sharing the history is a really good thing, to remind people that this is normal, and not some new fad.
Sharing all the EC resources you know of (websites, groups) in a handout might be nice too.

[isabchi]

You can talk about some practical tips to go out and about it, tips at home and concerns about family and friends.
Best!,
Isa

[boigrrrlwonder]

It kind of depends on your audience. If there had been a big focus on stuff when I first considered it, that would have deterred me. I think if you're talking to people on the fence, I think focusing on options like part-time EC, full-diapered EC, late start EC, etc... might make it seem more realistic and doable.

[Carlyle]

Originally Posted by boigrrrlwonder

It kind of depends on your audience. If there had been a big focus on stuff when I first considered it, that would have deterred me. I think if you're talking to people on the fence, I think focusing on options like part-time EC, full-diapered EC, late start EC, etc... might make it seem more realistic and doable.

I totally agree with this.

[JessieBird]

Cool! Some friends and I have discussed offering an EC workshop in our area also so it's been great reading all the tips that have come in.

I would reiterate that a discussion on the different ways that EC can be practiced part-time would be very beneficial to everyone who is on the fence about it or intimidated (isn't that most people?!).

The only other things I would add that I don't think anyone has mentioned - benefits for dads (ie, my DH and DS poop together every morning and it is a very special part of their bond) and also how easy EC is "even" for boys. I can't tell you how often I hear people express surprise that my boy uses a potty not because of his age but simply because he's a boy. Yeah, whatever...

I'm thinking that if I offer a workshop, I may offer it as part 1 and part 2. I'll save info on how to potty when you're out and about, etc, for part 2 as that's a bit more intimidating. Part 1 will focus on the history and practical tips for getting started. I think my audience will be a bit skeptical (as I was in the beginning!) so will just want a gentle nudge but then will come back for more once they see how rewarding it is.

Also (again if you think your audience may be skeptical) if you bring books, bring along some that are more mainstream. "Diaper free before three" is a good one for that.

I am now thinking a lot about how to name and market the workshops (not for $ reasons because we probably won't charge but just to reach as many people as possible) to attract people who may have never heard of or considered EC before, not only those who are already interested and otherwise crunchy. I'd be curious to know your thoughts along those lines.

I hope you do it and good luck!

[theboysmama]

Great class today!!!!

I taught the EC class today and I think that it went well.
There were 7 people that showed for the class plus their 6 babies.
3 babies were 3-4 months 1 6 month old 1 13 month old (plus my 13 month old) and a pregnant mama.
I did a lot of the stuff that you guys suggested PLUS I brought lots of piddle pads and little pottys and undies, eca pants, potty bowl, etc. About 30 min. into the class we stripped all babies from the waste down and I taught the class while the parents got some experience. We had several catches and a good ol poop miss behind the couch (from the 13 month old). I think it went well and I sure had a good time. Hope I can do it again in a few months.
Thanks mamas for all of your great advice!

[theboysmama]

Great class today!!!!

I taught the EC class today and I think that it went well.
There were 7 people that showed for the class plus their 6 babies.
3 babies were 3-4 months 1 6 month old 1 13 month old (plus my 13 month old) and a pregnant mama.
I did a lot of the stuff that you guys suggested PLUS I brought lots of piddle pads and little pottys and undies, eca pants, potty bowl, etc. About 30 min. into the class we stripped all babies from the waste down and I taught the class while the parents got some experience. We had several catches and a good ol poop miss behind the couch (from the 13 month old). I think it went well and I sure had a good time. Hope I can do it again in a few months.
Thanks mamas for all of your great advice!

[hrsmom]

How fun!!!!

[Harmony96]

Neat! I'm glad it went so well for you.