The joys of being a parent are beyond words. It’s a rollercoaster ride. It’s like watching the sequoia seeds grow to become the largest trees in the world. You’re so full of expectations. But there’s the tending part. And as the baby you once held in your hand becomes a toddler, you’re in for one unpleasant surprise. Now, they’re running around with a lot of mischief in their eyes. And before you know it, they’re testing their limits, not to mention your patience.
Know, however, that disciplining your children at a very young age is crucial for their growth. Because if a parent does a good job in drilling their kids’ minds with proper behavior, they will grow up like what you taught them to. Actually, you’re doing them a favor when you do discipline. You’re prepping them for the real world.
In your journey with your child, you’re bound to find out that one of the areas where your patience can be truly tested is teaching your child bathroom etiquette. Yup, teaching potty training and all the rules of engagement regarding the bathroom can be an uphill climb. This is especially for first-time moms. It’s a balancing act. On one end, giving your kids a sense of independence at a young age can boost their self-esteem. But sometimes, you need to put your foot down. Remember, unruly behavior can cause bathroom accidents. And what if you’re at a friend’s house?
Before you throw in the towel, know there is no such thing as a perfect parent. But some choose to achieve what’s best. Fortunately, with a few tried-and-tested tweaks, you should be able to teach your children bathroom etiquette without having to lose your temper.
Teach Them the Importance of Washing Hands
When a deadly virus is at large, teaching your children the merits of regular washing of hands is a must. Needless to say, it can be a lifesaver. It’s hard to overemphasize the importance of hand-washing. Even the WHO (World Health Organization) promotes it as a key habit to safeguard people from dangerous pathogens such as the coronavirus.’
Germs and viruses can easily spread. Teaching them the importance of good hygiene every time they use the bathroom is one way to protect them from danger.
Encourage your kids to make washing a habit. Show them how to clean their hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap, rinsing it all with water. It should be a must in key instances in their daily lives. And that includes after using the potty, after playtime in the backyard, before meals, after touching all sorts of body fluids, after coughing or sneezing. It may sound overzealous. But it’s a safety precaution you can’t afford not to encourage.
With or without the COVID-19 virus, washing hands regularly should be taught first by their guardians. Through this, children will know the first step to personal hygiene and bathroom etiquette as this might be too much information for a child to handle, so as parents, you should take it slow. And that means with encouragement and some imagination. Singing the alphabet song while doing it can be fun too.
Make Shower Time a Quality Time
To keep a clean body, all of us need to bathe regularly; but hyperactive kids who seem to make playtime all the time need it more. Know that a dirty and stinky body is risky. It can only mean germs could be spreading all over their body.
Don’t worry. A simple shower should help. Make sure you teach your children to take a shower before their bedtime as part of their daily routine or when they’re all dirty from play. Instill in their minds which part of the body they should thoroughly clean. And that includes drying their body before dressing in their cute pajamas.
If bath time is a struggle, make it all fun and relaxing. You can add fun music, for instance. Or, for that matter, adding a bubble machine.
Considering all this, parents should explore the prospects of showers with glass doors in their bathroom. Why? It is because it keeps the area clean while taking a bath. Meaning it keeps the water from leaking beyond the glass shower. Plus, all the light coming in allows you to watch your child even from afar.
Patience in Teaching Your Kids Potty Training
More commonly known as potty training, a child learns how to clean themselves without the help of their parents. This training is a process and can be frustrating. Take note that this usually takes around three to six months of patience. And in these times, it is a crucial thing to do. Not only to help your child be independent but also to keep their body clean.
To do so, it is advisable to have one special potty seat in all your bathrooms. This special seat is for children or toddlers to practice sitting on it. At first, they can sit while wearing their diapers or clothes. And whenever they are ready, your kids can go butt-naked. And you can take it from there.
In time, you should teach kids to wipe themselves from front to back. However, if you want them to use the bidet, it’s really up to you. The important thing is you do it step by step.
Repetition is key. Teaching bathroom etiquette is no walk in the park. But once it becomes a habit, you would have taught your children one key discipline to help them succeed in life.
