Taking It To The Streets

Mommy, I have to go now!

So you've both achieved the great success of potty training. Your child is brilliant at home. No more dirty diapers and accidents are almost a thing of the past. Now you feel quite safe taking her out on errands, perhaps to the grocery story or shopping for some new clothes. You're in the store when the announcement comes - loud enough to have been on the store's public address system, "Mommy, I have to go potty. Now." Frantically you search for the nearest bathroom, find it and as you hold your child over the seat she announces again, "I don't like this potty. I can't go." Now what? How can you prepare your child for the next time this will happen, and believe me, it will happen again.

Some strategies for success outside of home

The next phase of toilet training (the one nobody tells you about) is getting the child to use a toilet outside of home. While the first process may have taken a long time, it's possible to complete this one in a reasonably short period. You can help your child overcome the fears associated with using a toilet outside of home by employing some simple strategies which will make life a lot more pleasant for you both.

Incorporate a mandatory bathroom trip before heading out the door. By telling your child that you are all going out and you won't be leaving until they have made a trip to the bathroom it becomes part of the process, an expectation. Taking the extra amount of time to ensure they've gone can easily keep things in check.

Scout out the restrooms

When you arrive at the mall or store, check around for the restrooms. You'll relieve your own stress by knowing where to run should the need arise. If the toilet flushes on an automatic sensor, cover it with your hand until the child is off the toilet. An automatic flush when they're not expecting it can really frighten a child. If your child gets used to flushing the toilet at home, then it can be part of the process in the public stalls and less intimidating. 

Allowing the child to flush the public toilets even if she doesn't have to use them is one way to take away the fear of the loud sound. If your child remains frightened of the loud sound, treat it as you would any other fear and help her work through it.

Just a stroll in the park

What about a play day at the park?  Most park facilities are less than clean and rather unpleasant.  By bringing along a plastic seat cover for the toilet you will both enable the child to use the toilet and make it familiar by using something she's used to using.  By treating the condition of the public toilets in parks as a matter of fact, then the child will understand that those particular toilets are smelly and that's the way it is.  Just be sure to have wipes, tissues and hand sanitizer in your bag when you make these excursions.

Consider looking at the 3 day potty training method and soon you will take to the streets without a diaper bag.

Get your copy now!