Kind Macht Wieder In Die Hose

Willkommen in Deutschland! Planning a trip, or maybe even moving here? You're probably researching all sorts of things, from finding the best Currywurst to mastering "Guten Tag." But sometimes, life throws unexpected curveballs, and if you're travelling with young children, those curveballs might include, well, accidents. Let's talk about "Kind macht wieder in die Hose" – a child having an accident, specifically wetting themselves – and how to navigate it with grace and practicality while you're here.

This isn’t a phrase you’ll likely use conversationally unless you need to explain a situation. It literally translates to "child makes again in the pants," but think of it as the German equivalent of saying “my child had an accident.” While toilet training practices and attitudes towards childhood accidents vary between families globally, understanding how things are generally approached in Germany can help you feel more prepared and less stressed if it happens to your child.

Understanding the Context

First and foremost, remember that accidents happen. They're a normal part of childhood development, especially when a child is experiencing new environments, routines, and even new foods. Being in a foreign country can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming for little ones. This change in environment can be a major contributing factor to accidents.

Here are some factors that can contribute to a child having an accident while traveling:

• Changes in routine: Travel disrupts established schedules, including potty breaks.
• New foods and drinks: Unfamiliar foods or increased juice consumption can affect bowel and bladder control.
• Excitement and stress: The thrill of new experiences or the anxiety of being in a new place can trigger accidents.
• Language barriers: Your child might be hesitant to ask for the toilet in a language they don't understand.
• Unfamiliar toilets: Public restrooms can be different in Germany, which could be unsettling for a young child.

Practical Tips for Prevention and Management

Prevention is always better than cure, so let’s start with some strategies to minimize the risk of accidents:

Before You Go:

• Pack strategically: Bring plenty of extra underwear, wipes, and a change of clothes for your child and yourself (accidents can sometimes be splashy!). A small, lightweight, waterproof bag to contain soiled clothes is invaluable.
• Plan toilet breaks: Factor in regular toilet stops when planning your itinerary. Use apps like Google Maps to identify public restrooms along your route. Look for signs with a toilet symbol (usually a person in a skirt and a person in pants).
• Learn key phrases: Teach your child (and yourself) a few basic German phrases related to using the toilet:
  • "Ich muss auf die Toilette": "I need to go to the toilet."
  • "Wo ist die Toilette?": "Where is the toilet?"
  • "Darf ich bitte die Toilette benutzen?": "May I use the toilet, please?"
• Consider pull-ups: Even if your child is mostly toilet trained, consider using pull-ups (Höschenwindeln) for long journeys or potentially stressful situations. It can provide peace of mind for both of you.

While You're Traveling:

• Maintain a routine as much as possible: Try to stick to regular meal and sleep times, even when traveling.
• Offer frequent bathroom breaks: Encourage your child to use the toilet every couple of hours, even if they don't feel the urge.
• Stay hydrated: Dehydration can lead to constipation, which can, in turn, affect bladder control. Offer water regularly.
• Be aware of your child's cues: Pay attention to any signs that your child might need to use the toilet, such as fidgeting, holding their crotch, or becoming unusually quiet.
• Explain the toilet situation: Before entering a public restroom, explain to your child what it will be like. German toilets are generally very clean. Some might have a shelf in front of the seating. Explain to your child that they should not step on it. Many restrooms have a "Kasse" where you are expected to pay a small fee (usually €0.50 to €1). Have small change readily available. Often, you'll receive a voucher in return which you can use to get a discount in a nearby shop or cafe.

Dealing with an Accident: A Step-by-Step Guide

Despite your best efforts, accidents can still happen. Here's how to handle the situation with calm and efficiency:

1. Stay calm: Your reaction will significantly impact your child's feelings. Avoid scolding or showing frustration. Reassure them that accidents happen and it's okay.
2. Find a private space: If possible, find a discreet location to clean up, such as a restroom, a quiet corner of a park, or your hotel room.
3. Clean up thoroughly: Use wipes and a change of clothes to clean your child thoroughly. If necessary, rinse the affected area with water.
4. Dispose of soiled items properly: Place soiled clothing and wipes in a plastic bag and dispose of them in a trash can. If you're in a public restroom, look for a designated receptacle for sanitary waste.
5. Reassure and comfort your child: After cleaning up, give your child a hug and reassure them that everything is alright. Talk about what happened and remind them that it's important to tell you when they need to use the toilet.
6. Learn from the experience: Reflect on what might have triggered the accident and adjust your approach accordingly. Perhaps you need to offer more frequent bathroom breaks or be more mindful of your child's fluid intake.

Communicating with Locals

While you hopefully won’t need to, knowing how to communicate with locals about an accident can be helpful. Here are some useful phrases:

• "Mein Kind hatte einen Unfall.": "My child had an accident."
• "Entschuldigung.": "Excuse me." (Use this to apologize if the accident caused any inconvenience to others.)
• "Können Sie mir bitte helfen?": "Can you please help me?" (Use this if you need assistance finding a restroom or cleaning supplies.)
• "Vielen Dank!": "Thank you very much!"

Cultural Considerations

Germans are generally quite practical and understanding when it comes to children. Public displays of affection and patience towards children are common. So, do not feel stressed to handle this situation with extra care, if you are in public place.

That being said, it's always best to be discreet and respectful. Clean up any mess promptly and apologize if the accident caused any inconvenience to others.

Where to Find Supplies

If you need to purchase diapers, wipes, or other baby supplies, you can find them at:

• Drogeriemärkte (Drugstores): DM and Rossmann are two popular drugstore chains that sell a wide range of baby products at reasonable prices.
• Supermärkte (Supermarkets): Most supermarkets, such as REWE, Edeka, and Aldi, also have a selection of diapers and wipes.
• Apotheken (Pharmacies): Pharmacies are a good place to find specialized baby products, such as creams for diaper rash.

Important Words To Know

Knowing these words can be helpful in the event that you need to buy supplies or ask for directions to a restroom:

• Windeln: Diapers
• Feuchttücher: Wipes
• Wechselkleidung: Change of clothes
• Toilette: Toilet
• Waschraum: Restroom

Final Thoughts

Having an accident while traveling is never ideal, but it doesn't have to ruin your trip. By being prepared, staying calm, and communicating effectively, you can handle the situation with grace and get back to enjoying your German adventure. Remember, everyone has been there, and a little understanding and patience go a long way. Happy travels!

Enjoy your visit to Germany! We hope this guide has been helpful. And remember, "Keine Panik!" (Don't panic!) Everything will be alright.