When our family of four transitioned from a tiny one-bedroom apartment to our spacious three-bedroom duplex, we felt like we had hit the jackpot. With three times the space, a yard, a patio, shiny new appliances, and an abundance of storage, it was a dream come true.
At that moment, the fact that we had only one bathroom didn’t even register—our youngest was still in diapers, so it was just three of us sharing that single restroom. Fast forward three years, and we’ve all settled in nicely. Our youngest is out of diapers, but our tween has discovered the joys of long, luxurious showers. Suddenly, the single bathroom situation has escalated into a significant issue—a colossal one, to be honest.
Have you ever noticed how it seems like everyone in the house suddenly needs to use the bathroom at the same time? Maybe it was that burrito you all devoured for lunch, or perhaps it’s just the time of day when everyone can finally relax enough to let nature take its course. If you’re fortunate enough to have multiple bathrooms, it’s a funny little quirk. But if you’re like us, with one bathroom and a family that just enjoyed a feast, the laughter quickly fades.
And let’s not even talk about the chaos that ensues when the toilet gets clogged—whether from someone’s questionable dietary choices or a stray rubber duck that decided to go for a swim down the pipes.
It’s not just about those moments of bathroom desperation, either. The morning routine can feel like a race against time, with everyone scrambling to shower and get ready. Bedtime is another adventure, with kids colliding, spilling water, and launching toothpaste at each other. Honestly, I sometimes dream of segregating them into separate bathrooms.
Then there’s the elusive concept of privacy. I know I shouldn’t expect much of it with young kids around, but is it too much to ask for a few moments of peace while I use the toilet? Or maybe a quick chance to wash my face and try out that new concealer I just ordered? Unfortunately, it seems that the moment I sit down, someone bursts in, claiming they’re about to burst from a full bladder—only to reveal they really just want some company. Because clearly, mom can’t be out of sight for five minutes!
If I could add another bathroom, I’d create my own personal sanctuary, a “mom’s only” retreat. A space where I could indulge in a little self-care or hide away when the kids are busy bickering. A place to lock the door and devour a pint of Ben & Jerry’s without fear of an unexpected invasion.
But deep down, I know that adding more bathrooms won’t magically fix everything. I recognize that our home is quite lavish compared to many around the world, and having even one functioning bathroom is a privilege. My grandfather shared stories of growing up in New York City tenements, where multiple families had to share a single bathroom!
We rent our home, and upgrading the bathroom situation would require a move, which isn’t happening anytime soon. So while I vent about our one-bathroom struggle (and hey, venting is totally valid), it’s simply the reality for now.
On the bright side, living with this limitation has taught our family to cooperate and take turns. My kids are learning that extra bathrooms are not a necessity, and they’ve developed gratitude for what we do have. Plus, let’s face it, we’ve all built some impressive glute muscles from the constant waiting!
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In summary, while sharing a single bathroom can be challenging, it also fosters resilience, cooperation, and appreciation within our family.