Of all the considerations about parenting I made before I had kids, not being able to pee alone was not one of them. In fact, surprisingly, before I became a parent I never really heard I would no longer be able to do so. It was like some sort of inside joke for parents that's not really that funny. Now that my kids are both toddlers and are potty trained (Yea!), I've decided it's time to teach them that the bathroom is a private place. After all, I don't want them starting preschool and just barging in on people in the bathroom because that's what they do to mom and dad at home. At some point, every toddler has to learn that there are boundaries, and people like privacy when they use the potty.
Tell your toddler the bathroom is private.
This may seem like a "duh" suggestion, but the first step in helping toddlers realize the concept of privacy is indeed explaining it to them. Remember to keep things simple; don't try for a long involved rant about how you just want a few moments to yourself sometimes. Something along the lines of, "People like to be alone in the potty. It makes them happy," is sufficient.
Practice what you preach.
Second, if you expect your toddler to give you privacy in the bathroom, you need to give him or her privacy as well. In toddlers that are pretty-well potty trained, this just means shutting the door, listening for mischief from the other side, and waiting for your toddler to say, "I'm done." If he or she still requires assistance with the clean-up phase of potty time. Be sure to explain why you are shutting the door. You could say, "Mommy/Daddy is going to let you be alone in the potty like a big girl/boy, because the bathroom is private," or something to that effect.
Be consistent.
Next, if your toddler bursts in on you in the bathroom, always offer the same reaction. Explain that the bathroom is private, and ask him/her to wait outside. If your toddler listens, offer positive reinforcement of some kind. If your toddler doesn't listen, and you're able, physically remove them from the room and shut the door. If you aren't able, wait until you finish and explain how it bothered you that you were unable to have privacy in the potty. Toddlers are by nature people pleasers. They want to make you happy.
Play pretend privacy.
Finally, it can help to incorporate the concept of privacy and boundaries into pretend play. For example, you could give your toddler their own box or cupboard that is "private" and for their eyes only or build a super awesome couch cushion fort and make a sign together that says, "*Your toddlers name* only. PRIVATE." Find ways to frequently work in the idea of privacy as repetition works with young children.
If your toddler doesn't immediately allow you to have your in-the-bathroom-alone privileges, don't be discouraged, privacy is a hard concept for toddlers to learn, but they'll get it eventually-for the most part.
You may also enjoy:
Nighttime Diapers for Toddlers: Not a Cause for Concern
Dealing with Potty Training Regression
Poop or Chocolate: A Mom's Tales of Stinky Toddlers
