The Surprising Truth About Potty Training

Congratulations! Your child has made the leap to wearing underwear! Say goodbye to diapers, the endless struggle of wrestling toddlers during diaper changes, and the need to pack like you’re heading off for an extended journey every time you step outside. No more wrestling with filthy public restrooms or awkwardly changing diapers in the backseat of your car. You’ve conquered potty training: from sticker charts and messy accidents to bribery and the emotional rollercoaster of starting and stopping. It feels like a victory, right?

But hold on—here comes the reality check. For those of us who have moved past diapers, we know that potty training is just the beginning of a new set of challenges. In fact, you may find yourself closely monitoring your child’s bathroom habits for a good number of years to come. Kids still have a lot to learn about using the toilet independently, and, most importantly, neatly.

Honestly, I’ve been somewhat hesitant to begin potty training my little one—not just because the process can be a headache, but because it opens a Pandora’s box of new issues. I sometimes wish I could keep him in diapers for a little longer (but then there’s preschool and all that independence stuff). Here’s what you should know:

1. The Never-Ending Bathroom Companion

You might think that once they ditch the diapers, your child will just head to the bathroom whenever nature calls. Wrong! For years, they’ll need constant reminders and often require company (especially for those poops).

2. Public Restroom Nightmares

If changing diapers on a public changing table was bad, just wait until they have to use a public toilet. Yikes! More than once, I’ve considered outfitting my child with rubber gloves before entering a restroom.

3. Bathroom Help from Others

My kids have grown so comfortable with me helping them in the bathroom that they sometimes struggle to let others assist. I get it—it’s an intimate act. But come on, Grandma needs to help out once in a while!

4. Accidents at School

There’s a reason schools ask you to send a change of clothes from preschool through kindergarten. Even older kids can have accidents, especially when they’re sitting in class all day. Many don’t have a strong sense of timing and may hold it in too long.

5. The Infamous Potty Dance

Oh yes, the potty dance! My third grader still does it occasionally. The best part? Even when they’re doing the dance, they’ll insist they don’t need to go!

6. Nighttime Accidents

Just because they’re potty trained during the day doesn’t mean they’ll be dry at night. Many kids stay in pull-ups for years. It’s common, it’s real, and it can be frustrating.

7. Endless Butt Wiping

Soon after potty training, you’ll quickly realize how much your little one still needs a grown-up to help them wipe. A quick survey suggests it can take a good five years of adult assistance—fun times, right?

8. Aim Issues

No matter how much I teach my boys, there are still times when pee ends up in puddles on the floor. When confronted, they simply deny it—classic!

9. Hand-Washing is Optional

Kids often treat hand-washing like a suggestion. If they do attempt it, it usually results in a mini flood, so plan to supervise this process for a while.

10. Car Ride Emergencies

No matter how many times you ask them if they need to go before a car trip—or even if you force them to go—there will inevitably be a moment during the drive when a bathroom emergency occurs. Often, this happens just as the baby finally falls asleep, or when you’re miles from an exit.

The bright side? It genuinely gets easier! I can’t 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 beg him to wash his hands properly), and I haven’t wiped his behind in ages (don’t spill my secret!). My 3-year-old is just starting potty training and is doing well, but I know that can change in an instant. Soon, I’ll be tossing the last of the diapers and welcoming a freshly trained child into my life.

But then it’s back to the joy of navigating this new world of potty-related challenges, and I can’t say I’m looking forward to it!

For more insights, check out our blog at Intracervical Insemination or learn about helpful resources at Resolve. And if you’re interested in essential tools for the journey, visit Make a Mom for their top-notch insemination kits.

Summary

Potty training is just the start of a long journey filled with unique challenges. From bathroom companionship to public restroom worries, and the occasional accident, parents quickly realize that the adventure of toilet training continues well beyond diapers. While it may seem daunting, there’s a silver lining as children grow more independent over time.