Helping an opposite-sex child on the toilet is certainly easier during the toddler years. As children grow and become more aware of gender differences—and more aware of their surroundings in general—public bathrooms can become an increasingly uncomfortable place for both parent and child.
In this article we would be looking at Using a Public Bathroom. Information for Parents of Toddlers.
It is best to take your child to the bathroom corresponding with your own gender through at least age four. After that, if he objects or if you feel uncomfortable, you may decide to send him into his own gender’s bathroom while you wait within hearing distance right outside the door.
First, though, help him practice removing and refastening his clothes, flushing the toilet and washing his hands, and performing all the other routines of bathroom use that you have been reinforcing up to now.
Now is also a good time to reinforce the concept of “private parts” and to instruct him to come to you immediately if he is approached in the bathroom by someone he doesn’t know.
Toilets that can swallow them and flush without warning, deafening hand dryers, sinks they can’t reach—public loos can be terrifying for small kids. And when they start peeking under stalls and reaching into open garbage cans, it can be stressful for you, too. Here are some tips for doing the deed (and getting the heck out).
1. Carry a stack of sticky notes in your purse to cover the automatic-flush sensor.
2. Bring a potty seat (there are ones that fold up to fit in diaper bags and purses—if you can get over carrying a potty seat in your purse).
3. Distract him from the tampon bucket while you pee by making him your toilet paper valet.
4. Travel with hand sanitizer and a few napkins for when high sinks and loud dryers make handwashing a no go.
5. Remind kids to be patient while waiting for a stall, and teach respect for others’ privacy by discouraging them from peeking under stall walls.
I hope you find this article helpful as well as interesting.
