My daughter (3) has been potty trained for quite a while, but she has a serious fear of public toilets because she says she is afraid when they flush because they are loud and scary, especially the automatic flushing kind because they go off unexpectedly. She refuses to use public restrooms which can make being out and about a little tricky. We haven't had any accidents because of it, but we're always afraid there will be a first time.
Anyone experience this before and have any good ideas on how to help her get over her fear?
Thanks
I do the same thing with the automatic flushing toilets but I just use a piece of toilet paper. Works just as well as post it notes but you don't have to bring it with you!
My daughter had the same fear. Added to it, she hated going in bathrooms that were "less desirable". (i.e. gas stations!) We'd end up in one, only to have her say that she didn't have to go. The result was that she never had an accident, but, like you, it just made it a bit trickier. Consequently, she had one tantrum in a toilet stall and the automatic flush cured her of ever having another.
I love the post-it note idea and wish I would have thought of it.
I don't like it when the automatic flusher goes off when I'm still sitting on it! You can fix that by covering the sensor with your hand, a post-it note or anything you can think of. Then you can flush it when she's out of the stall.
I'm sure there's NOTHING wrong with her and she'll grow out of it soon!
She might have sensory issues...it would not hut to talk to your doctor about having her evaluated by an occupational therapist.
I've heard of moms that carry post-it notes with them to put over the sensor of the automatic kind so that they don't flush automatically as soon as the little behind jumps down.
I carry Post-It notes in my purse to cover the "eye" sensor. It works like a charm. Some of the auto toilets are so loud and/or strong (water sprays up out of the bowl), and I don't blame our toddlers for being scared. Sometimes they startle me!!
I, too, have heard people suggest Post-It notes or a piece of toilet paper.
Our son has the same fear. He's almost 4.5 and is still afraid of the flushing at public toilets, often opting to pee outside in an alley. I know with a girl... not possible! LOL
I just tell him that he can leave the bathroom before I flush. That usually does the trick if he really has to go pee... I read that this is really a common problem!
