As I'm pretty sure every parent of a young child knows, parent's of toddlers get stuck in the bathroom with a toddler kind of a lot. The popular meme says it best:
To combat this problem and to help further introduce Montessori principals more into our home. I've created a tray to help Henry become a little more independent in the bathroom and to help keep him occupied those times when he just needs to be in there with me.
The tray includes:
1. A basket with a few small hand towels. These provide a chance to learn a practical life skill -- folding -- but also give Henry something to dry his hands with, or something to clean up the messes he makes.
2. Child sized brushes. Henry loves to comb his hair and brush his teeth. These brushes are small so he can easily use them and now he can access them whenever he wants or needs to.
3. A small glass for drinking.
In addition to the tray, the bathroom also has a small potty and step-stool. The step-stool allows him to access the sink easily to wash his hands, face, or teeth. It helps him do tasks that he is fully capable of doing without any help from me.
The potty, well we're kinda-sort-almost potty training. The small potty will eventually allow him to go without assistance when he needs to. Along with the potty, I've also placed a small basket of diapers, wipes, and big-boy undies in the bathroom. I hope these will help to get Henry more interested in toileting and keep him active in his care-of-self.
Do you have a Montessori inspired toddler bathroom? Have any tips?