Potty training is one of those parenting milestones that fills you with both dread and hope. Sure, the promise of no more diapers and the end of constant changes is alluring, but the path there? Yikes. We kicked off potty training with our first child, Lily, at 18 months, eager to get her on the toilet train early. Fast forward to nearly three years later, and I can confidently say it was a journey through potty training purgatory. Let’s just say I’m still recovering.
Now, with my second child, Max, who is 2, you’d think I’d be rushing to introduce him to the potty. Nope. I’m actively steering clear of it like it’s a bad cold for a multitude of reasons:
- It’s downright disgusting. Any parent who’s been through it knows what I mean. The clean-up involves things you and your partner would rather forget.
- The mess continues post-training. Once Max is using the toilet, I’ll still be cleaning up pee for years. I’m not exactly excited about taking on that additional chore.
- Wiping butts is still a thing. Even after potty training, I’ll be stuck with countless years of wiping behinds. Good luck convincing them to do it themselves without risking “poop stain roulette.”
- Frequent bathroom breaks interrupt life. Diapers may cost a bit, but they’re way easier for outings. Without them, every trip means a mad dash to the nearest restroom, which is never convenient.
- Public restrooms are a nightmare. First, you have to squeeze into a stall with both kids. Then, while juggling one, you’re praying the other doesn’t touch anything. And good luck avoiding the trauma of automatic flushers!
- Flushing fears or obsessions. Lily is terrified of flushing, leaving whatever’s in the bowl for someone else to deal with. Meanwhile, some kids can’t resist the urge to flush everything in sight. It’s a lose-lose.
- Sudden demand for rewards. Once you start doling out stickers for potty use, you’ve opened a Pandora’s box of expectations. They’ll want a prize for everything, and it’s exhausting.
- Laundry is piling up. I can hardly handle the laundry I have now. The last thing I need is more towels and clothes soiled with who-knows-what.
- Sleep deprivation is real. Potty training isn’t just a daytime endeavor. Ditching overnight pull-ups means I’m either waking up to take Max to the bathroom or cleaning up wet sheets. I shudder at the thought of losing more sleep.
- Toddlers are already stressful. Simple tasks like getting dressed or eating are challenges enough. Throwing potty training into the mix feels like a recipe for a meltdown—or at least a strong urge to pour a glass of wine.
So let the judgment roll in when people see Max still in diapers. I’m not ready to pause our lives for potty training just yet. I’m confident we’ll tackle it before kindergarten, but right now, I just don’t have the time or energy for that mess.
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Summary: Potty training can be a daunting task filled with messes, disruptions, and sleepless nights. While the end goal is tempting, many parents find themselves postponing this milestone for various reasons, from the hassle of public restrooms to the constant laundry. The reality is, managing a toddler is already a challenge, and adding potty training into the mix feels overwhelming.