When our family of four transitioned from a cramped one-bedroom apartment to our current three-bedroom duplex, we felt incredibly lucky. Not only did we gain ample space—about three times what we had before—but we also enjoyed a yard, a patio, shiny new appliances, and more storage than we could ever need.
At that moment, I didn’t give much thought to the fact that we only had a single bathroom—my focus was entirely on the extra square footage. Our youngest was still in diapers, so the bathroom situation only involved three people. However, three years later, we’ve comfortably settled in, our youngest is out of diapers, and our tween has developed a penchant for lengthy showers. The reality of having just one bathroom is now presenting some serious challenges.
Have you ever noticed how, for some inexplicable reason, everyone in your home seems to need to use the bathroom at the same time? Maybe it’s something that was eaten or just the time of day when everyone is relaxed enough to let loose. If you’re fortunate enough to have multiple bathrooms, you might laugh it off. But if you’re a one-bathroom household, and everyone just devoured a burrito, there’s nothing funny about it.
And let’s not even talk about the chaos that ensues when the toilet gets clogged—whether it’s due to an overzealous bowel moment or an errant rubber duck that somehow made its way into the pipes. Beyond the toilet troubles, showering and basic grooming can feel like a race against time, especially on busy mornings. Bedtime routines turn into a circus act, with kids bumping into each other, splashing water everywhere, and turning toothpaste into an art project.
Then there’s the elusive concept of privacy. I know I shouldn’t expect too much of it while raising young kids, but there are moments when I just want to use the toilet in peace, maybe freshen up or try out that new concealer I ordered online. Instead, I’m often interrupted by a child in desperate need of a bathroom buddy, usually exaggerating the urgency of their situation just to ensure I’m not out of sight for too long.
If I could wave a magic wand and conjure up another bathroom, it would be a sanctuary just for me—a “mom’s only” retreat where I could escape for a few minutes of self-care, or hide away when the kids are at each other’s throats. A place where I could lock the door and indulge in a little ice cream without the fear of a sudden invasion.
That said, I recognize that adding another bathroom won’t magically resolve all of life’s challenges. I’m well aware that my home is quite luxurious compared to what many people around the world experience. Having just one functioning bathroom with decent plumbing and running water is a privilege, and I often think of my grandfather’s stories about living in New York City tenements where entire buildings shared a single bathroom.
Since we’re renting, the only way to add bathrooms to our lives would be to move, which isn’t happening anytime soon. While I often vent about our one-bathroom situation (and I believe venting is completely valid), it is what it is for now.
In some ways, sharing this modest space has its benefits. Our family is learning to cooperate, take turns, and navigate the stresses of sharing a small bathroom. My kids are discovering that extra bathrooms are not essential, fostering a sense of gratitude for what we have. And let’s be real, we’ve all developed some impressive core strength as we navigate this shared space—definitely not something to overlook!
For more insights on family dynamics and shared living spaces, check out this related post here. And if you’re considering at-home insemination options, I recommend visiting Make a Mom for reliable insemination kits. Additionally, Medical News Today is an excellent resource for information on fertility and pregnancy.
Summary:
Living in a one-bathroom household poses unique challenges for families, especially when everyone needs to use the bathroom at the same time. While it can be frustrating, sharing this space encourages cooperation and gratitude among family members. Despite the struggles, there are moments of humor and personal growth that come from navigating life in a modest setting.