I know it might sound a bit extreme, but I’m really not looking forward to potty training my 2-year-old. Many parents eagerly anticipate this milestone, but let’s be honest—the journey can be daunting, and the aftermath isn’t always a walk in the park. Here are a few reasons I’m still holding onto those diapers:
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Diapers Offer Unmatched Convenience
With a child in diapers, you can go just about anywhere without worrying. Whether it’s running errands, attending playdates, or enjoying a day at the park, the freedom is undeniable. Sure, there are some unpleasant odors and the occasional blowout, but overall, diapers simplify outings. They may be pricey, but they come with a level of convenience that can’t be ignored. -
Constant Cleaning is Exhausting
Despite spending what feels like an eternity in the bathroom, my daughter has a talent for waiting until she’s off the toilet to do her business. This results in messes that require cleanup from floors to furniture, and let’s not forget the endless laundry cycle of tiny, stained clothes. It’s a nightmare keeping up with the constant need for washing and drying. -
Fear of Leaving the House
Will we make it through our errands without an accident? Is a playdate going to be too distracting for her? Just imagining a mishap at the grocery store is enough to keep me at home. When I potty trained my son, I carried around my go-to stain remover everywhere. Friends joked that I should be a product rep, but really, I just wanted to be prepared. -
Public Restrooms Are Terrifying
No explanation needed here—taking a toddler into a public restroom is its own brand of horror. -
I’m Tired of My Own Voice
When I finally gather the courage to venture out, I find myself asking my potty-training toddler if she needs to use the restroom over and over. It gets old fast—I’m not even chatting with friends or enjoying the moment. Instead, I’m just reminding her to go, which has a way of making me feel like I need to go too. Ugh. -
Goodbye to My Purse
Purses are a thing of the past. Instead of carrying around diapers and rash cream, I now have to pack extra undies, pants, and even plastic bags for any accidents. I’ve learned to rely on resealable bags since I constantly forget about the soiled ones lurking in my bag. It’s a hefty load to manage while also balancing wipes, snacks, and drinks. My purse is going to collect dust for a while. -
Unpredictability of a Potty-Trained Child
Once a child is potty trained, you can expect the occasional mishap at the most inconvenient times. They may not need to go all morning until you’re at the grocery store with a cart full of groceries. The timing is never right—always when you’re in a rush or out in the cold. While you might save money on diapers, the stress of managing a newly trained child can be overwhelming.
It’s no surprise that potty training is seen as a significant milestone, especially for mothers. Once it’s done, the financial burden of diapers lifts, laundry becomes manageable, and you can finally enjoy outings without constant worry. However, getting there feels like a constant uphill battle. I know we’ll tackle potty training eventually; it’s a necessary step. My toddler will be fully trained before I know it, and one day, I’ll be faced with the reality of a laundry basket full of tiny, smelly underwear.
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Summary
Potty training is a significant milestone for parents, but it comes with its own set of challenges. From the convenience of diapers to the unpredictability of a newly trained child, the process can be daunting. While the end goal is worth it, the journey is often filled with stress and mess.
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