Talk About Privacy
Have a conversation—at a time when you're not dying to use the bathroom—where you talk to your kids about privacy. This is also a good way to start laying the groundwork for personal-space and privacy issues that will be the foundation for sexual abuse prevention discussions later on.
Make a Sign
Have your child help make a doorknob hanger that says “Privacy, please” on one side, and “Come on in!” on the other. Having your child help make it will help her understand what it means—and how to follow its instructions. (Be prepared that at some point she will likely use the sign for her own privacy to create some mischief in the bathroom. Look! It’s a Q-tip castle!)
Occupy Their Attention
Keep a basket of books and toys right by the entrance to the bathroom so your child can sit and play while still being close to you.
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Compromise
Especially with young children, leave the door open a little if necessary. That way your child can still hear and even see you.
Assign a Job
Give your child a task to do near the bathroom. For example, have him use a wet washcloth to scrub the outside of the door while he waits.
Ask for a Surprise
Have your child draw you a picture or create something to give you when you emerge from the bathroom. She might even be happy to separate from you for a couple of minutes. Plus, if she really gets into the project and requests additional time when you’re done, are you going to complain?
Exchange Notes
Slip a piece of paper back and forth under the door. Most likely your child can’t read yet, so use pictograms—which offer the added advantage of taking longer for your child to draw each message. Obviously, this strategy will work only if allowed by the certain logistics like the design of your bathroom and your own flexibility.
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Set a Timer
Let your child be in charge of an egg timer, which you set for two minutes—or whatever number you need. (I won’t presume to recommend…)
Sing a Song
Have your child stand right outside the door while you sing to her. Hearing you can help her feel close to you and, hopefully, secure about not being on the same side of the door as you.
Practice Ahead of Time
Before you actually need some bathroom privacy, make a game of practicing some of these strategies with your child. This will prime him to expect it to be not only tolerable, but even fun, the next time you say, “Mommy needs a minute.”
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