Our son is now 6. He is "going potty" entirely on his own at home and escorted but directly unsupervised in public.
Our problem is that he will almost never remember to flush. This is something we routinely tell him. Even after going we will ask him, "Did you flush?" Sometimes he'll answer falsely; eventually he'll say, "Whoops" and then run back to flush.
It's not like he doesn't understand the concept of flushing. It isn't like he's doing this maliciously. He just simply isn't connecting the concept of "Potty then flush" in his head. As soon as he's done he's gone. (And yes... the problem is indeed: Potty, Flush, Wash)
I would prefer not to make it a punishment because all the "Touchy-feely" books are rather direct about not turning the bathroom process into a trauma experience. (note: I like the softer parenting using discussion, logic and examples; but am not afraid to be stern, strong, or loud when the situation calls)
So, I'm looking for two things: 1) Is this normal/phase/takes care of itself and 2) What can I do to improve the situation.
My obvious motivation for this is working from home today in my office, going to the restroom and finding yet another unflushed toilet that has been sitting since the little one left for school at 7am. Ugh.