Congratulations! Your child has mastered potty training, but navigating public restrooms can be an entirely different challenge. Here are some strategies to help your toddler learn to pee in public effectively. And don’t forget, safety first—wear a mask! (Note: This video was recorded prior to COVID-19).
Recognizing the Signs
When it comes to toddlers and their bathroom needs, be on the lookout for telltale signs. The iconic “pee pee dance,” characterized by bouncing, holding their clothes, or wiggling, indicates they urgently need to find a restroom. The challenge? Little ones often resist pausing their playtime for a bathroom break. As soon as you notice the dance, drop everything and rush to the nearest facility, or risk a very public accident. Toddlers typically won’t vocalize their need until it’s almost too late, so vigilance is key.
Using the Bathroom
Once you arrive at the bathroom, assess the cleanliness of the stall. If it’s less than sanitary, you might want to avoid direct contact with the seat. A simple solution is to hold your child like a taco, with their bottom hovering over the toilet. One arm should support their legs while the other secures under their arms.
If you have a boy, public urination is a bit simpler. A quick lift and aim should suffice, but ensure that his little member stays clear of the seat.
For a less strenuous option, consider the cover-and-hover technique. Lay down a protective layer of toilet paper on the seat, help your child sit down, and hold them steady to prevent any falls. Of course, these methods may require adjustments if they need to do a number two—fingers crossed for just a number one!
Dealing with Automatic Flush Toilets
Automatic flush toilets can be frightening for toddlers, as they may flush unexpectedly and repeatedly. Avoid them if possible, but if you must use one, join the collective frustration aimed at their creators.
Post-Bathroom Hygiene
Once the business is done, the public restroom experience isn’t over yet. Teach your children to avoid touching any surfaces in the restroom. Encourage them to keep their hands elevated and perform the “lift and wash” technique to minimize contact. When it comes to drying their hands, steer clear of hand dryers—those devices can spread germs everywhere! Instead, encourage them to shake their hands dry or use paper towels.
Avoiding Germs
Finally, instill in your toddler the importance of avoiding contact with restroom door handles. If you can exit without touching anything, congratulations—you’ve conquered the public bathroom challenge and instilled a healthy fear of germs in your little one.
Now, go forth and confidently navigate public bathrooms!
Additional Resources
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Summary
Teaching your toddler to use the bathroom in public involves recognizing urgent signs, employing creative techniques for cleanliness, and ensuring minimal contact with surfaces. By preparing them for the unique challenges of public restrooms, you can help them develop healthy habits and a strong aversion to germs.