Potty training is usually easier at home. But eventually, you need to take your potty training toddler out to run errands, to a restaurant, to visit friends or even take a trip or vacation. Making sure your child is comfortable using toilets in unfamiliar settings, like public bathrooms or at other people’s houses is an essential step in their potty training journey. But with a thoughtful approach for on the go, you can make the experience less stressful for everyone!
Starting the potty training process can seem overwhelming at first to parents and children. Add in strange bathrooms, adult-sized toilets, and the less-than-pleasant condition of many public bathrooms and potty training can feel like an even bigger hurdle to overcome. But you can’t let potty training tie you to your home, and kids eventually have to learn to potty train while out and about.
Make a Plan Before You Leave Home
Vicki Lansky, a mom and potty training expert suggests parents have a potty plan before they head out.
First, know where the bathrooms are in each place you go in case you need to get to one fairly quickly. Try making it a game to see who spots the potty first – not only will you both learn where the bathroom is, you’ll also take care of any immediate potty needs before you start your shopping, errands or visiting. This potty search will be especially reassuring to kids with cautious or shy personalities. Some kids are amazed when they discover that locations like the grocery store or Grandma’s house ALSO have toilets. They might have thought that the potties in your house were the only ones in the whole world!
Lansky also says the best way for a child to potty on the go is to invest in a portable, fold-up potty seat that fits over an adult-sized toilet. Inexpensive and made of plastic, these seats fold up small enough to fit into a purse or other bag. They’re easy to wipe down and can be used anywhere. Try using it on the toilet at home a few times before using it in an unfamiliar place. It may also be a good idea to buy a potty seat for the car.
Keep Up the Encouragement
Being on the road, in flight or in an unfamiliar environment can be stressful any time you’ve got little ones. But with a kid on the potty training journey, it’s even more so. If you’re doing it, give yourself a pat on the back. And a high five. And a hug. Seriously. You deserve it.
Then, share that positive energy with your toddler. They could use a little encouragement too, and that includes celebrating the little successes and not getting hung up on the challenges. Consistency and positivity while you’re away from home can go a long way toward helping you both experience happy travels.
l Bring along potty favorites. If your child has a favorite potty book or toy, toss it in your bag.
l Keep track of successes. Have a sticker chart at home? Bring along a little notebook so you can write down how many stickers to add when you return home. Or, make a traveling sticker book so you can add them on the go.
A solid plan can make everyone more comfortable. Remember, too, that a relaxed attitude toward potty training goes a long way. You’ll get through this together. And someday soon, you and your toddler will be traveling and exploring without a potty worry in mind
Post time: Feb-28-2024