Congratulations! Your toddler is now fully potty trained, but what happens when nature calls in public? This can be a whole different challenge. Here are some effective tips for teaching your little one how to handle peeing in public settings. And don’t forget to wear a mask! (Note: This video was recorded before COVID-19).
Recognizing the Signs
When it comes to toddlers needing to pee, there are unmistakable signs. The infamous pee pee dance is often the first indicator. If your child starts bouncing around, clutching their pants, or shaking their hips, it’s time to make a beeline for the nearest restroom. The tricky part? Toddlers are often too engrossed in play to stop what they’re doing. The moment you spot the pee pee dance, drop everything and sprint to the bathroom, or you may find yourself dealing with an impromptu public pee situation. Toddlers are not known for communicating their needs until it’s almost too late, so stay vigilant!
Assessing the Restroom
Once you reach the restroom, it’s time to assess your options. If the bathroom looks less than sanitary, you probably don’t want your child’s bottom touching that toilet seat. A simple solution is to hold your child like a taco, with their backside hovering above the seat. One arm should support their legs while the other secures their upper body to ensure they don’t topple in.
For boys, the process is a bit more straightforward. A quick lift and aim usually do the trick—just be cautious to keep their little “peeper” away from the toilet seat itself. If you’re looking for an easier method, try the cover and hover technique. Cover the seat with toilet paper, seat them down, and hold them securely to prevent any accidents. Of course, adjustments may be needed if number two is on the agenda—let’s all hope for a simple number one!
Dealing with Automatic Flush Toilets
Automatic flush toilets can be a nightmare for little ones. They seem to have a mind of their own, flushing unexpectedly and often. Toddlers are typically startled by this and no one wants to feel as if they might be swept away. If you can avoid these toilets, do so! If you can’t, join me in a collective grumble against their creators.
Post-Pee Protocol
After the peeing (and hopefully not pooping) is completed, the public restroom experience isn’t over yet. Teach your child not to touch anything in the restroom. Encourage them to keep their hands up and away from surfaces. Engage in the “lift and wash” technique to minimize contact, ensuring they don’t even touch the sink! For drying hands, steer clear of the hand dryers, which can spread germs everywhere. Instead, shake off the excess water or use a paper towel.
Avoiding Contact
Now, let’s discuss those ninja moves. The last thing you want to do in a public bathroom is touch the doorknob on your way out. Teach your toddler how to avoid contact now. If you manage to exit the restroom without touching anything, you’ve successfully navigated the public bathroom challenge, instilling in your child a healthy aversion to germs.
Now it’s time to tackle public restrooms like a pro! You’ve got this, and your little one will thank you for the lessons.
Additional Resources
For more parenting tips and resources, check out Modern Family Blog, which offers authoritative guidance on various topics. Additionally, if you’re exploring family planning options, don’t forget to visit Make a Mom for helpful information. If you’re expecting, the CDC is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination details found at CDC Pregnancy.
In summary, teaching your toddler to pee in public can be a comical yet challenging adventure, but with the right techniques and a bit of patience, you’ll both emerge victorious.