Navigating public restrooms with children can be quite the ordeal, regardless of how many little ones you’re managing. When it comes to multiple kids, visiting a public bathroom can feel more like a mission impossible. It appears that these restrooms hold a unique fascination for children, particularly for our daughters. Whether we’re at a restaurant, a retail store, or even a theme park, it’s almost guaranteed that within minutes of arrival, someone will declare, “I need to go to the bathroom!” To which another will eagerly respond, “Me too, I really need to go!” This is despite the fact that we just visited the bathroom a mere 15 minutes ago before leaving home.
And so begins the search for the nearest restroom, with children excitedly speculating about the amenities: What kind of soap dispensers will they have? Will there be hand dryers or paper towels? Are the toilets automatic, or will they get to press the flush button? Public restrooms are a source of endless curiosity for kids, but for moms, those seven words can elicit a groan. Interestingly, it often falls to mothers to tackle these situations, possibly due to the reputation of men’s restrooms.
Having navigated various restroom scenarios, here is a straightforward guide to taking your kids to a public bathroom:
- Prevent your children from racing ahead. “We’re not in a race, please walk!”
- Arrive and find that all the stalls are occupied.
- Impatiently wait for the larger stall, often held up by someone leisurely adjusting their hair or makeup.
- Reassure your kids when they start to whine about needing to go. “I understand, sweetie, just a minute more. I’m sure they’re hurrying.”
- Once inside, settle the debate over who uses the restroom first.
- Begin placing a seat cover, while urgently reminding, “Don’t touch anything!”
- Return to the seat cover, only to lift child number one onto the seat when it falls.
- Use toilet paper instead of the seat cover and finally position child number one on the toilet.
- Scold the other child, “Get your hands out of there!” Why are they so fascinated by the feminine hygiene disposal bin?
- Assist or provide toilet paper for child number one.
- Stop child number two from unraveling the entire roll of toilet paper.
- Dress child number one and repeat step six for child number two.
- Lift child number two onto the seat.
- Try to maintain composure when she declares, “No pee pees! I’ll wait.”
- Gritting your teeth, remind child number one to lock the door and refrain from opening it.
- Encourage child number two to give it another try.
- Observe child number two’s earnest efforts, complete with grunting, but no success.
- Dress child number two.
- Take the opportunity to use the bathroom yourself since you’re already here.
- Yell at child number one when she opens the door while you’re in the middle of your business.
- After dressing, guide the kids to wash their hands – unless there’s a sink right in your stall.
- Assist the kids in reaching the soap, since they still can’t do it alone.
- Wash their hands, then direct them toward the paper towels or dryer.
- Clean up soap puddles that have dripped onto the floor.
- Pick up excess paper towels scattered about.
- Watch in amusement as they place their faces up to the dryer for “crazy hair.”
- Clean up the unraveled toilet paper that serves no discernible purpose.
- Use a paper towel to open the restroom door, enjoying the fleeting moment of having clean hands.
- Head back to your original destination, only to hear child number two whine, “I really need to pee now…please…”
- Turn around and prepare for round two.
These scenarios are rarely highlighted in parenting guides and are often unexpected challenges in motherhood. Yet, public restroom visits can be one of the most frustrating tasks for mothers, particularly with newly trained toddlers. While I love the baby and toddler stages, some days I find myself yearning for the day when car seats are a thing of the past, and they can manage their own bathroom needs.
For further insights into parenting and fertility, consider checking out this resource on pregnancy, and for those interested in at-home insemination, visit this guide. Remember to review our privacy policy for more information.
In summary, navigating public restrooms with children can be a complex and often humorous challenge. By following these steps, parents can better manage the chaos that comes with restroom visits, paving the way for smoother outings in the future.