Poop Detector

I am a Master Poop detector. I think poop detection comes with the seasoning of any daycare provider. Poop detection is not only essential to time and productivity but a very useful tool.

It's amazing, really. Upon the first sniff of wafting poop aroma I can pin point which child has recently filled their personal sanitation unit with the remnants of last night's dinner. And I am rarely wrong. I save myself much time and effort not having to dig into the back of a diaper, carefully pull it away from their backside and peer in only to be slapped with the smell of human manure. Poop detection is a better method.

Poop detection can take many forms. One method of detection is smell. For the most part each and every child has their unique poop smell. Take the twelve month old who, according to the parents, feeds herself at home and has been off baby food for many months. I can smell (no pun intended) that lie a mile away. Baby food has a very distinct smell. It's unmistakable.

The other form of detection is time. Do you have a time release pooper? You know, that child who poops on the clock? No doubt if it's 8:23am and your daycare playroom suddenly smells like a Port-A-Potty then the time release pooper has worked their magic. Off you go, diaper in hand right on schedule.

My personal favourite poop detection trick is the hide and seek pooper. There is always one kid who has an ounce of dignity and does not wish for other children to watch him grunt and groan and contort his face. Yep, this is the kid you swear you have lost only to find him hiding in the Cozy Tent space. And the only thing worse than playing hide and seek with a pooper is going to find that pooper and having to stick your head into that confined space. It is enough for you to retaste the breakfast you swear you swallowed for the first time two hours ago.

Poopers are no fun at all. Regardless of how good I get at detecting poop I don't think I will ever become accustomed to the look of what those diapers contain. Poop is not friendly. It never was and never will be. I would love for my poop detection skills to silently slip away due to their lack of use. Sadly I don't see that happening anytime soon. For now I will continue to let my nose know.

I'm a daycare provider and I know poop.



For concerns, advice or suggestions I welcome your email at judytrickett@yahoo.ca