What happens in the toilet?

• For young children, the bathroom is a bit of a mystery. That’s because we adults often keep the door closed when we go to the bathroom.
• Show your child what the toilet is for and what happens there. That way, your child will learn that peeing and pooping in the toilet is perfectly normal.

What can you do?

• Go take a look at the toilet together when no one is using it. That way, it won’t be scary for you or your child. Let your child flush the toilet or watch you wash your hands after using the restroom.
• Explain to your child in simple terms what happens in the bathroom. For example, when you go to the bathroom yourself: “I’m going to take a pee.”
  “Then I’ll flush.”
• Is it okay if you bring your child with you when you go to the bathroom? That can help. Tell your child what you’re doing and let them watch, listen, and… smell. “I’m peeing—can you hear that?” Or: “Hey, do you smell something too? Look, now I’m going to flush.”
• You can also explain where pee and poop come from.
  “Your body makes pee and poop. They come from your tummy. The poop comes out of your bottom. And then it goes into the toilet.”
• This way, your child will gradually learn that peeing and pooping are natural bodily functions and that you do them on the toilet.