10 Reasons to Postpone Potty Training

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Potty training is often seen as a milestone that parents should tackle without delay. After all, moving away from diapers not only saves money but also reduces mess and odors—something that most parents can appreciate. I had a fairly smooth experience with my first child, Max. Armed with a guide on potty training boys and a few waterproof mats, I dedicated my summer to helping him learn to use the toilet. Despite being only two years old, I felt a strong urge to get him out of diapers, especially with a new baby on the way. Luckily, Max adapted quickly, and aside from a brief setback when his sister was born, he has been using the toilet successfully ever since.

However, my second child, Lily, presented a different challenge. After experiencing complications during pregnancy, she faced delays in reaching developmental milestones, and the pressure was on to get her potty trained as soon as possible. With daycare costs piling up and encouragement from her preschool teacher—who, by the way, has a strict no-diaper policy—we felt the urgency. After nearly a year of ups and downs, Lily finally decided to use the toilet, much like how she suddenly learned to crawl, walk, and talk. We celebrated this achievement, but soon realized we might have jumped the gun. Here are some compelling reasons to reconsider the timing of potty training:

1. Accidents Explode into Major Catastrophes: Forget cute little messes; we’re talking about a full-blown disaster that could rival a Porta Potty explosion.
2. Privacy? What’s That?: Using the bathroom becomes a public event, with your little one asking if you’re doing a “pee-pee” or “poopy” and offering stickers or cookies as incentives.
3. Familiarity with Every Public Restroom: You’ll become well-acquainted with the restrooms between your home and any store you frequent.
4. Timing is Everything: Your child will suddenly need to go right when a meal arrives, and this will continue for years.
5. Public Announcements: Expect your child to announce their bathroom needs loudly and at the most inappropriate times, like during a formal event or a quiet church service.
6. Boredom Relief: Potty breaks may turn into a game, testing your patience and sanity as you navigate public restrooms.
7. Curiosity Gone Awry: Your child may start asking everyone around them about their bathroom habits, despite your best efforts to remind them that it’s not polite.
8. Toilet Fascination: Your little one may become obsessed with flushing, leading to a spike in your water bill.
9. Shopping Dilemmas: Expect to abandon your cart full of groceries every few trips because your child can’t hold it any longer.
10. Laundry Nightmares: Prepare for a long battle against skid marks that could last for years, regardless of how much stain remover you use.

While potty training can be a relief in many ways, the flip side can be overwhelming. If you’re interested in learning more about parenting and fertility, consider checking out this blog post. Also, if you’re looking for ways to boost your chances of conception, Make a Mom offers valuable resources. For those exploring options like intrauterine insemination, NHS provides excellent information.

Summary

In conclusion, while potty training is often viewed as a necessary step for parents, there are numerous reasons to think twice before diving in headfirst. The challenges can outweigh the benefits, leading to a chaotic and messy experience.