Helping Your Child Use an Airplane Toilet: The Three P’s Approach
Traveling with children can be a rewarding experience, but it also presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to using an airplane toilet. The confined space, unfamiliar environment, and the hum of the airplane can be overwhelming for a child, particularly those with sensory sensitivities or anxiety. As a parent or caregiver, it’s essential to approach this situation with a plan in mind, ensuring that your child feels comfortable and secure throughout the process.
Introducing the “Three P’s” approach: Prepare, Pack, and Patience. By following these steps, you can make the experience smoother for both you and your child.
1. Prepare: Social Stories, Videos, and Role Play
Preparation is key when helping your child navigate new or potentially stressful experiences, and using an airplane toilet is no exception. Start by preparing your child well before the flight. The goal is to familiarize them with what they will encounter, reducing any fear or anxiety they might have.
Social Stories: Social stories are simple, short narratives that describe social situations and expected behaviors in a way that is easy for children to understand. Create or find a social story that explains the process of using an airplane toilet, from unbuckling the seatbelt to washing hands. You can include pictures or illustrations to make it more engaging. Reading this story repeatedly before the trip can help your child feel more at ease. Download my free airplane mini story here!!
Videos: Visual learners might benefit from watching videos that show the process of using an airplane toilet. Many airlines or parenting websites offer videos that walk through the steps, from locating the bathroom to operating the sink and toilet. Watching these together can give your child a clearer idea of what to expect.
Here are some videos I found helpful:
Role Play: Once your child is familiar with the process through stories and videos, engage in role play. Set up a mock airplane bathroom at home using a small room or space. Practice the steps together: walking to the “bathroom,” knocking on the door, going through the motions of using the toilet, and washing hands. Role play can make the experience feel less daunting because it turns an unfamiliar situation into a familiar routine.
2. Pack: A Potty Go Kit with Sensory Tools
A well-packed potty go kit can make all the difference when it comes to managing sensory sensitivities and ensuring that your child feels comfortable in the airplane toilet. Here’s what to include:
Sensory Tools: Airplane toilets can be loud, bright, and have strong smells—all of which can be overwhelming for a child. Pack sensory tools that help your child feel more at ease. Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs can muffle the sound of the flushing toilet or the hum of the airplane. Fidget toys can provide a comforting distraction and help your child stay calm during the process.
Masks to Hide Smells: Airplane bathrooms often have a strong, unfamiliar smell that can be off-putting. Consider packing a lightly scented mask or a small essential oil roller that your child can use to mask the odors. The familiar scent can help ground them and make the experience less distressing.
Toilet Seat Covers: Airplane toilets are not always the cleanest, and your child may feel uneasy about sitting on the seat. Bring disposable toilet seat covers to place on the seat, offering a barrier that can provide comfort and peace of mind. Check this affiliate link for lots of potty ideas
Checklist: For children who thrive on routine and structure, create a simple checklist that they can follow each time they use the airplane toilet. The checklist might include steps like “knock on the door,” “turn on the light,” “flush the toilet,” and “wash hands.” Laminating the checklist and attaching it to a lanyard can make it easy to carry and use.
Wipes and Hand Sanitizer: Airplane bathrooms might not always have soap or may run out during the flight. Bring antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer to ensure your child can clean their hands thoroughly, even if the bathroom supplies are low.
3. Patience: Navigating the Process with Calm
The final, and perhaps most important, of the Three P’s is patience. Using an airplane toilet can be a time-consuming process, especially for children who are anxious or have sensory sensitivities. It’s important to remember that this process will likely take longer than it would at home, and that’s okay.
Give Yourself Extra Time: Allow for plenty of time when taking your child to the bathroom. Rushing can increase anxiety and make the experience more stressful for both you and your child. Plan ahead and consider taking your child to the bathroom before the “fasten seatbelt” sign comes on, so there’s no pressure to hurry.
Stay Regulated: As a caregiver, your own state of mind plays a crucial role in how your child handles the situation. Before you assist your child, take a moment to regulate your own emotions. Breathe deeply, stay calm, and remind yourself that this is just one small part of the journey. Your calm demeanor will help your child feel secure.
Be Ready for Clean-Up: Accidents or spills might happen, and that’s okay. Keep a positive attitude and be prepared to clean up quickly and efficiently. Pack extra clothes in your carry-on in case of accidents, and have wipes and bags ready for soiled items. A calm, “we’ve got this” attitude will help your child feel less embarrassed or upset if things don’t go perfectly.
Celebrate Success: After your child successfully navigates the airplane toilet, celebrate the accomplishment. Offer praise and encouragement, letting them know that they did a great job. Positive reinforcement will boost their confidence and make future trips to the airplane bathroom easier.
Traveling with children requires preparation, but with the right approach, even potentially challenging situations like using an airplane toilet can be managed smoothly. By following the Three P’s—Prepare, Pack, and Patience—you can help your child feel more comfortable and secure during the process. Remember, the goal is not just to get through the experience, but to make it a positive learning opportunity for your child. With the right tools and mindset, you can turn this travel challenge into a moment of growth and confidence for your little one.
If you found this approach helpful, you might also find value in my book, "I Am Learning: How to Poop On the Toilet." This resource is designed to guide children through the process of toilet training in a supportive and engaging way. With easy-to-understand language, relatable characters, and practical tips, the book helps demystify the toileting experience for kids, making it an excellent companion for both parents and children navigating this important milestone.
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