Noteworthy Wednesday!
This is a funny post from another mommy blogger although it probably was not amusing when this situation was taking place.
It is a dilemma that I have never encountered or witnessed on any of my many flights.
I people watch all the time and observe children and the various behaviors that they exhibit, from which I may add, I learn a lot. I also like to see what activities parents bring on board to amuse their kids during a flight so that I might try these when I am flying with my grandchild.
But this issue is one that can really be a problem when traveling with a potty trained toddler who is afraid of the bathroom on the plane.
I guess my response would be to try to prepare a child ahead of time for the noise in the bathroom and the look of bathroom before even getting on the plane. I would also make sure that a child tries to use the bathroom in the airport before boarding.
Remember the roar of the engine noise seems even louder in the bathroom and any bumps could be scary, also the flushing sounds are somewhat disturbing to me so I sympathize if they are afraid…it sounds like the suction could actually take you with it. That suction is also heard when you drain the sink as well so prepare the child and make it a game if you can. Perhaps even the fact that the toilet is metal may seem scary…it certainly is not as friendly looking as the little potty with “Dora “on it that they are using at home. “Dora” seat covers may help but it did no good for the poor child in this scenario.
One thing I do know is that I would not pursue it if my child had a bad reaction to the airplane bathroom and perhaps I would always carry a pull-up or two and a change of clothes until such time as his/her fear was resolved.
Have any of you had this experience with your child and if so what do you advise?