First your child drives you crazy because she's too scared to use public restrooms. Then she must see every toilet in every store and dawdles endlessly. Don't decide she couldn't possibly need to use the toilet yet again — nervousness about using a strange toilet can increase urinary frequency. Also, excitement or fear from being in such a novel situation may have made it hard for her to relax enough to void completely. Don't refuse to take her because she sat for three minutes in the last bathroom and never did use the toilet. If she is nervous about whether or not you will take her when she needs to go, the likelihood of an accident increases.

If you feel as though your outings are totally centered around the restrooms and your hands are tied, they probably are. Rest assured that this too shall pass. Be sure to take a change of clothes just in case she is so caught up in the excitement and nervousness at the prospect of having to use a strange toilet, she forgets to tell you when she needs to go.

Help Your Child Become Comfortable

To help lessen the likelihood that your child will feel afraid of public facilities, make it a point to use them often and have her accompany you before you begin potty training so she can start getting used to them. Let her tear off some toilet paper for you and wash her hands so she can participate. If she becomes afraid of using public facilities after you've started potty training her, carry a folding potty chair. For this to be a solution, she must have used it at home often enough to feel comfortable with it. If she is so fearful about strange bathrooms that she can't relax enough to use it, try having her use the portable potty in the car.

When in the Restroom

When you're out with a curiosity seeker, allow extra time so she can check out all the toilets in town, but beware of industrial-strength models. The sudden violent swishing and noise may frighten her so much that she suddenly becomes afraid of public restrooms. Meanwhile, if the endless dawdling in every bathroom in every store is driving you crazy, remember that there should be something rewarding in all of this stressful potty training business. As far as many toddlers are concerned, the chance to explore the fascinating world of stalls, electric hand dryers, sinks, and faucets is about as good as it gets.

Teach your child to be respectful by not peeking under the stall to see what others are up to. Although toddlers are very curious, it's never too soon to teach good manners. Always keep your youngster within sight so she doesn't wander out and get lost. Give her something to do, such as holding your purse or the door, or engage her attention through conversation.

Toddler boys may have to be taken into the women's restroom if they don't have a dad in tow, and toddler girls will have to accompany their dads if no mom is available to take them. Don't entrust them to a stranger so they can use the correct facility.