6 Reasons to Hold Off on Potty Training Your Youngest Child (For Now)

home insemination Kit

Hey there, fellow parents! You know how they say each child is unique? Well, after having three kids myself, I can confirm that it’s 100% true. As I inch closer to 38 and my youngest is now 3 and a half, I find myself reflecting on this parenting journey. Sure, things are gradually getting easier, but let’s be real—I’m exhausted. My little ones are becoming more independent, and I can finally breathe a little easier, but there’s one big hurdle I’m still facing: potty training my youngest.

Instead of motivating him, I’m the one who needs a pep talk! “Okay, this week is the week!” “Seriously, let’s tackle this!” But honestly, I’m just too tired. Potty training has been one of the more challenging tasks I’ve faced as a parent, and I’m in no rush to repeat it. So, here are six reasons why I’m choosing to take my time with potty training my last child:

1. You Remember the Mess: Let’s be honest, potty training can be a nightmare. The memories of cleaning up accidents—like scraping poop from underwear or dealing with pee on the floor—are forever imprinted in your mind. I think I’ll postpone this one a little longer!
2. Life is Busier: With two other kids, my schedule is filled with swim lessons, soccer games, and endless PTA meetings. Gone are the days when I could focus solely on potty training my first child without a care in the world. Now, I barely have a moment to breathe.
3. The Baby Loves Being a Baby: There’s something bittersweet about having a little one who still fits comfortably into the baby phase. I mean, I’ll be glad to ditch the diapers, but letting go of my last baby feels tough. Plus, I’ve perfected the art of diaper changing and I’m not ready to give that up yet.
4. Excitement is Hard to Find: Let’s face it—watching a child sit on the potty for ages isn’t the most thrilling activity. I’d rather have them tucked in bed early so I can catch up on my favorite shows. So yes, I think I’ll wait a bit longer.
5. Public Restrooms are a Nightmare: The struggle of managing three kids in a public restroom is real. I’ve mastered teaching them to flush with their foot, but it’s still a circus act. When a 3-year-old decides it’s time to go, you can bet chaos will ensue.
6. You’re Still Wiping Anyway: Even when kids are potty trained, you’re still doing some level of cleanup. Their tiny arms often can’t reach everything, so it’s not like you’re getting a break from wiping. Might as well wait until those arms grow a bit longer!

As much as I look forward to being diaper-free, I’m equally relieved to hold off on potty training. It’s a real midlife dilemma, and I’ll gladly sidestep that early training mom who seems to have it all together with her 18-month-old. For now, I’ll stick to my routine of changing a few more diapers.

If you’re interested in more parenting insights, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination. And if you want to dive deeper into self-insemination options, Cryobaby is a great place to start. Also, don’t forget to review our terms and conditions for more information.

Summary: Potty training your last child can wait for a multitude of reasons including the chaos of life with multiple kids, the nostalgia of having a baby, and the messy realities of the process. Embrace the diaper phase a little longer and enjoy the precious moments of early childhood.