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My soon to be 3 year old son will not use public restrooms

Malay - posted on 02/18/2010 ( 2 moms have responded )

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My son will be 3 at the end of March. He is potty trained. The one thing that he refuses to do is go potty in publlic restrooms b/c it is "too loud and scary" for him. When we go out, I will put him in pull ups. We recently had an incident at the grocery store about a week ago. He had to poo and refused to go...so he went in his pull up. Needless to say I wasn't very happy!
I desparately want to help him overcome this fear but don't know how. I've explained to him that it it just like our bathroom at home and that I am with him and there's nothing to be afraid of- but he refuses - won't even try to sit.
Does anybody have any suggestions ways to help overcome this? Is anybody dealing with this same issue?
Would love to get some thoughts/feedback.

Thanks.

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2 Comments

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Jennifer - posted on 02/23/2010

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He may be afraid of the automatic flushers. Try putting a post-it note over the sensor so that it won't flush until he's ready. Perhaps you could explain how it works and let him attach the post-it. Also maybe try getting disposable seat covers with his favorite character on them that he only gets to use on public potties.

Angie - posted on 02/19/2010

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I don't have this prob but what I did from the time I started potty training is use a travel potty. They make a couple different types. They fold up and fit right on top of the big toilet. It is sometimes a pain to carry everywhere but my son will not sit on a big potty without it. Even at home we still use a small potty on top of the big potty. Not sure if that will help since his prob is that is to loud but worth a try maybe. Also have you taken him in with you as you go pee so he can see that it is not scary and 'mommy' can do it?

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