It’s a well-known fact: every child is unique. As a mother of three, I’ve come to appreciate this truth more and more. Now that my youngest is three and a half, I find myself reflecting on my parenting journey as I approach my 38th birthday. While life is gradually becoming a tad easier (thank goodness!), I’m also realizing that I’m in no rush for the chaos of toddlerhood to end. And did I mention? I’m tired.
These days, my mornings are a little more tranquil, as my kids have taken to quietly watching cartoons until we’re up. Errands are simpler now that there’s no napping toddler in tow, and outings have become enjoyable again, free from the worry of playground injuries. I’ve cleared out most of the baby gear, happily passing on clothes that my youngest has outgrown. Yet, there’s one tiny hurdle still looming: my youngest isn’t potty trained yet.
Instead of rallying my child for a pep talk, I find myself needing motivation. “Alright, this week we’re getting serious!” “No, really! Let’s do this.” “What are you WAITING for?!” But honestly, I’m just too exhausted to dive into potty training again. It’s one of the most challenging tasks of parenting, and I’m not eager to repeat it. So, I’ve created a little potty training prayer to help me cope. Unfortunately, no amount of prayer seems to ignite excitement about the process. Here are six reasons why potty training your last child can wait just a bit longer:
1. You Remember the Mess
Having done this before, you’re well aware of the not-so-glamorous aspects. The horror of scooping poop from big kid underwear, the inevitable pee puddles, and don’t even get me started on the potential for diarrhea. No thanks! I think I’ll postpone this for a while longer.
2. Your Schedule is Packed
With two other kids, your plate is overflowing with swim lessons, soccer practices, PTA meetings, and a million other commitments. Gone are the days when you could focus solely on your first child’s potty training while binging Elmo episodes. Now, you’re juggling responsibilities, making it much harder to dedicate time to this task.
3. The Baby Enjoys Being the Baby
Let’s face it: part of you loves having a baby to care for. The thought of saying goodbye to my last little one is tough. Plus, my diaper-changing skills have reached Olympic levels of efficiency. He’s not quite ready to be a big kid yet in my eyes.
4. Excitement is Hard to Come By
Let’s be real—the thrill of potty training is pretty limited. Sure, it would be great if he used the potty, but I’m much more interested in enjoying some quiet time, maybe watching old reruns of Friends, instead of spending hours waiting for a tiny human to produce a few drops of pee. So, I think I’ll hold off.
5. Public Restrooms are a Nightmare
One of life’s greatest achievements for me has been teaching my kids to flush with their feet. But the thought of taking three kids into a public restroom is enough to give me anxiety. “Don’t touch anything! Don’t look at anything!” is my mantra. But, of course, a 3-year-old’s bathroom habits are unpredictable, and you never know when one might peek under a stall.
6. You’re Still Wiping Anyway
Potty training might seem like a big milestone, but let’s be honest—it’s just a shift in the wiping position. Kids have these tiny arms that can’t quite reach around. So, you might as well wait until they grow a little more, saving yourself from hearing “MOOOOM! I’m DONE!” right when you finally sit down to eat.
Though the idea of being diaper-free is thrilling, I’m equally relieved to avoid the potty training process. It’s a midlife parenting dilemma, and I’ll happily steer clear of that first-time mom tackling potty training with her 18-month-old while I change a few more diapers for the sake of my own sanity.
For more insights into parenting and family life, check out our other blog posts at Home Insemination Kit and learn about the journey of artificial insemination at Make A Mom. If you’re interested in pregnancy resources, UCSF’s Fertility Treatment is an excellent option.
In summary, while the prospect of being free from diapers is exciting, the reality of potty training can wait—especially when there are so many other things to juggle in life.