My son, Liam, is about to turn 5. He’s intelligent, caring, hilarious, and quite the charmer. Everyone adores him, and his mischievous nature keeps me on high alert—just the other week, he managed to flood the bathroom right before the holidays. But despite all his wonderful qualities, there’s one area where he’s lagging behind: potty training.
Before you gasp in disbelief at why I would let Liam endure daily accidents—yes, daily—in public, at home, in my car, and at various playgrounds and birthday parties across the Southeast, allow me to clarify: I wish it weren’t the case, but it is.
As a parent, I can’t help but feel like I’ve failed him. Over the past few years, I’ve tried everything from rewards charts to timers on my phone. We’ve left venues when the telltale wet mark makes an appearance, and I’ve even allowed him to continue playing with wet pants, hoping that embarrassment might finally click in his mind. Spoiler alert: it hasn’t.
I’ve tried to be understanding. Liam was pushed into potty training at his daycare when he turned 2, even though he wasn’t quite ready. Add a new sibling, a move to a different state, and the challenges of being a middle child, and it’s no wonder he’s had a tough time. I’ve given him breaks, created new charts, and tried my best not to lose my cool or shed tears over yet another ruined pair of superhero underwear in a public restroom. (This very thing happened just last week, by the way.)
While my close mom friends understand and support me, I still encounter judgment from strangers at the park who feel the need to inform me that my 4-year-old is having accidents and upsetting their perfectly potty-trained kids. I often fantasize about giving them a piece of my mind when they imply that if I weren’t so clueless, my son would have mastered this by now.
In just a few months, I’ll be registering Liam for kindergarten, which feels surreal. The thought of my sweet boy carrying his own cafeteria tray, learning to read, and writing his name fills me with pride and anxiety. What worries me the most is whether his potty training challenges will follow him into school.
I know kids can be cruel. Liam will likely face teasing—maybe about his clothes or interests—but I truly hope that his potty situation won’t become the butt of the joke. Thankfully, this is something we can work on.
After finally seeking help from our pediatrician, Liam was diagnosed with constipation, which can dull the body’s signals for when it’s time to go. While I’m relieved to have an answer (along with a daily laxative), I also realize that this will take time, and patience is key.
Liam won’t be heading off to college in a pull-up, and I remain optimistic that he’ll get through elementary school without accidents. If not, we’ll handle it when the time comes. He’s not the first child to face this challenge, and he certainly won’t be the last.
Explaining this journey to others can be tough. It’s frustrating and sometimes embarrassing, making me feel like both his fiercest defender and the person he frustrates the most. I’ve experienced a range of emotions—pride, embarrassment, guilt—but at the end of the day, my love for Liam is unwavering, and I’m committed to doing what’s best for him. As long as he knows that, we’ll navigate these waters together.
For more insights on parenting challenges, you might find this article on potty training struggles to be helpful. And if you’re considering at-home insemination, check out Cryobaby’s home insemination syringe kit for a reliable option. MedlinePlus also offers great resources on pregnancy and home insemination that you may find useful.
In summary, potty training can be a challenging journey filled with ups and downs. As parents, it’s essential to approach the situation with patience, understanding, and love while advocating for our children amidst judgment.
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