How To Help Toddlers Get Used To The Bathroom
Life with a toddler turns even the most normal parts of your daily routine into an adventure. While you might not think much about using a toilet or bathtub, you can bet that your toddler will have you viewing these fixtures in a whole new way. Young children often need some help getting used to using the bathroom, and it makes sense if you think about it. From helping your child learn that they won’t fall down the drain with the bathwater to teaching them how to flush a toilet, you can use these strategies to help them feel comfortable in the bathroom.
Do a Few Dry Runs
Sitting naked on a cold toilet seat or in a bathtub can be a little intimidating for young children. Try having your child visit these parts of the bathroom fully clothed. They can sit on the toilet while you read them a book about potty time, or they might want to play with a few toys in the tub. Letting your child get familiar with the fixtures before diving right into using them helps them feel more secure.
Fix Noisy Plumbing Fixtures
Does your toilet seem to be constantly running, or do the pipes seem to squeal every time you turn on the tub? Many toddler fears arise from common plumbing issues. That loud whirring noise that the toilet makes as it runs may cause your toddler to think that it will flush unexpectedly, or they may think that there is a monster lurking behind the bathroom wall. Some companies, know that children have wild imaginations. Making sure to arrange for plumbing repair to correct known issues can ensure that everything runs quietly and smoothly when you bring your toddler to the bathroom for tub time.
Bring out the Tub Toys
Toddlers tend to be easily enticed to try new things when they are presented as exciting and fun. Pick up a few tub-safe toys that your toddler can play with as they bathe. You can also help them blow bubbles or color pictures with soap crayons. If your toddler starts to complain about bath time, then add a few new toys to the mix. Just make sure that any toys you throw in the tub are too big to go down the drain.
Address Their Fears
You may know that your toddler is too big to fall into the toilet, but they might not believe you. If necessary, add a smaller seat to the toilet that helps your toddler feel safer. If they’re afraid of going down the tub drain, then add a cover or take them out of the bath before you let the water go down. Finding ways to get around your child’s fears makes bath time go much smoother.
As you work on helping your toddler get comfortable in the bathroom, remember to give them plenty of time to adjust. Making sure that their time in the bathroom is fun helps them to learn to love taking a bath, and you’ll soon find your child asking when they can go play in the water.
By Anita Ginsburg
Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO. She studied at Colorado State University, and now writes articles about health, business, family and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn’t writing. You can follow her on Twitter @anitaginsburg
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