Potty training is one of those parenting milestones that you know is essential, but let’s be honest, it can feel like a nightmare. Sure, the idea of ditching diapers is appealing, but the reality? Not so much. We started potty training our first child, Lily, at 18 months, hoping to get ahead of the curve. Spoiler alert: She was fully trained by almost 3, and I’m pretty sure I’m still recovering from that experience. Now that my second child, Max, is 2, you’d think I’d be eager to get him on the potty train. Instead, I’m avoiding it like the bubonic plague for the following reasons:
- It’s downright disgusting.
Every parent knows the horrors—there are some messes that are truly unforgettable. You’ll end up cleaning things that would make even your partner cringe. - Post-training cleanup is still a thing.
Even after conquering potty training, I’m left with years of cleaning up after Max. The bathroom will still have its fair share of pee stains, and I’m not rushing into that. - Wiping is still a chore.
Once they’re trained, don’t forget you’ll still be wiping for quite a while. And if they insist on doing it themselves? Good luck with the dreaded poop stain lottery. - 20-minute interruptions are a nightmare.
While diapers are pricey, they sure make outings a breeze. I’d rather not make every trip involve scouting for a restroom every few minutes. - Public restrooms are my personal hell.
Trying to wrangle both kids into a cramped stall is an Olympic feat. Plus, there’s the constant battle of keeping one child from touching everything while the other is scared of automatic flushers. - Flushing is a paradox.
My daughter, Lily, fears flushing toilets and lets things marinate until someone else comes along. Meanwhile, kids like Max can’t get enough of the flushing action, turning it into an experimental game. Either way, it’s a lose-lose. - Reward expectations are through the roof.
Once you start with stickers or treats for using the potty, you’ve opened a Pandora’s box. Suddenly, they expect a reward for every little achievement, which can be exhausting. - Laundry is piling up.
I’m already drowning in laundry; the last thing I need is more soiled towels, sheets, and clothes. No thanks! - Sleep deprivation is real.
Potty training doesn’t just happen during the day. Once those overnight pull-ups are gone, I’ll either be waking up to take Max to the bathroom or dealing with a soaked bed. Just thinking about it makes me want to cry. - Toddlers are already a handful.
Getting a toddler dressed or fed is a challenge as it is. Adding potty training to the mix? I might as well start searching for my wine stash now.
So let the judgment roll in when people see Max still in diapers. I’m not prepared to put our lives on pause for potty training right now. I trust we’ll figure it out before he heads to kindergarten, but for now, I’m choosing to keep my sanity intact. If you’re interested in other parenting tips, check out this article for more insights.
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In summary, while potty training is an inevitable step in parenting, it’s one that I’m currently avoiding for many reasons. From the mess and cleanup to the long-term effects on my sleep and sanity, I’m happy to wait until I’m more ready for this milestone.