The Untold Truth About Potty Training

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Congratulations! Your little one has made the leap to underwear. Say goodbye to diapers, the struggle of laying a squirming toddler down for a change, and the hassle of packing like you’re embarking on a month-long journey each time you venture out. No more navigating those nightmarish public restrooms or changing diapers in the cramped confines of your minivan.

You’ve conquered potty training: the sticker charts, the inevitable accidents, the bribing and begging, the breaks and restarts, the dashed hopes, the unsolicited advice. You might think you’re done with the whole potty ordeal, but here’s a reality check: potty training is just the beginning. Those of us who have moved past diapers know that you’re now bound to your child’s bathroom habits for several years to come. Kids still have a lot to learn about using the toilet successfully, independently, and—most importantly—cleanly.

Honestly, I’ve been rather hesitant to start potty training my toddler—not just because the process itself can be a pain, but also due to the new challenges it introduces. I would honestly prefer to keep him in diapers as long as possible (I mean, independence and preschool are important and all, but still!).

Here’s why:

1. Constant Bathroom Companionship: You might think that once they’re out of diapers, they’ll go to the bathroom on their own. Not so fast! For years, they’ll need reminders and often want you by their side, especially for those messy moments.
2. Public Restroom Navigation: If you thought changing them on a germ-ridden public changing table was bad, just wait until they have to use those toilets. Yikes! More than once, I’ve considered sending my child in wearing rubber gloves.
3. Others Helping with Potty Time: My kids have gotten way too comfy with me assisting them in the bathroom. They sometimes refuse help from babysitters or even family members. I get it; it’s an intimate act. But come on, Grandma deserves a turn too!
4. Accidents at School: There’s a reason why you’re asked to send a change of clothes for school. Even older kids can have accidents, especially when they’re so focused on their activities that they forget to take a break.
5. The Infamous “Potty Dance”: Ah yes, the potty dance. My third-grader still pulls it off occasionally. The best part? No matter how many times you ask if they need to go, they’ll insist they don’t, all while doing their little jig with their legs crossed.
6. Nighttime Accidents: Just because they’re potty trained during the day doesn’t mean they’re ready for nighttime. Many kids may need pull-ups or even diapers for years after they’ve figured out daytime use. It’s a common struggle.
7. Wiping Issues: You quickly realize why your 2- or 3-year-old needs help wiping after a poopy diaper. It may take many years before they can manage it on their own! According to an informal poll, parents reported needing to assist with wiping for an average of five years. Joyful, right?
8. Aim Problems: I swear, no matter how hard I try to teach my boys, there’s always a little puddle on the floor at least once a week. When confronted, they deny everything!
9. Hand-Washing Habits: Kids often think washing hands is optional. Or, when they do it, they create a mini flood on the floor and manage to use up half the soap. You’ll be supervising hand-washing for quite some time if you want it done right.
10. Car Emergencies: No matter how many times you ask if they need to go before a car trip (even forcing them to go), there will be a moment during your journey when someone suddenly needs to use the restroom—often right when the baby falls asleep, or you’re miles away from the next exit.

The silver lining? It does get better. I can’t even remember the last time I had to remind my 9-year-old to use the bathroom. He’s a pro at navigating public restrooms (though I still have to remind him about washing his hands properly!). My 3-year-old is only a few weeks into potty training and is doing quite well (though I know that could change in a heartbeat). I predict I’ll be tossing out the last of the diapers soon, but that also means a new round of bathroom challenges is just around the corner.

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In summary, while potty training may seem like the end of diaper days, it’s really just the start of a new set of challenges. Buckle up; the ride is just getting started!