The Surprising Truth About Potty Training

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Congratulations! Your little one has made the leap to wearing underwear! Say goodbye to diapers, the days of wrestling squirmy toddlers during diaper changes, and the endless packing for outings that feel like month-long vacations. No more changing diapers in grimy public restrooms or in the back of your vehicle. You’ve successfully navigated the journey of potty training—those sticker charts, the mishaps with dirty underwear, and the bribery tactics. It’s time to close that chapter and forget about the mess of potty training, right?

Well, not quite. Those of us who have moved past diapers understand that potty training is just the beginning of a whole new adventure. In fact, you’ll find yourself tethered to your child’s bathroom habits for several more years. Kids still have a lot to learn about managing their bathroom needs effectively, independently, and—most importantly—cleanly.

Honestly, I’ve found myself hesitant to embark on potty training with my toddler. It’s not just the challenges of the process; it’s the wave of new concerns it introduces. I might have been content to keep him in diapers a bit longer (but you know, independence, preschool, and all that).

Here are a few things to consider:

1. The Constant Need for Supervision
   You might think that once out of diapers, they’ll just go when they need to. Not so fast! Kids often require reminders to use the bathroom for years and, especially for poops, they may want an audience.
2. Public Restroom Adventures
   If you thought changing them on a public changing table was a hassle, just wait until they need to use a public toilet! The thought of it can be cringe-worthy. I’ve even contemplated donning rubber gloves for my child’s restroom visits.
3. Letting Others Help
   Kids can become overly reliant on you for bathroom assistance, leading to a reluctance to allow babysitters or other family members to step in. I understand the intimacy of the situation, but sometimes Mama needs a break!
4. School Mishaps
   There’s a reason schools ask for a change of clothes—accidents happen! Even older kids might hold it too long while sitting in class, forgetting that they should go when they can.
5. The Potty Dance
   Ah, the infamous potty dance. My third-grader still breaks it out occasionally. No matter how many times you ask if they need to go, they’ll insist they don’t, even while doing the wiggle.
6. Nighttime Challenges
   Just because they’re potty trained during the day doesn’t mean they won’t have nighttime accidents. While I’ve been lucky with my kids, many children still need pull-ups or mattress protectors for years.
7. Butt Wiping Assistance
   Soon after potty training, you realize why your little one needs help cleaning up. Many parents report needing to assist with this for several years, which can be quite the delight.
8. Aim Issues
   No matter what I try, my boys frequently seem to manage to create little puddles on the floor. When questioned, they deny any involvement. Curious, isn’t it?
9. Hand-Washing Hurdles
   Kids might think washing their hands is optional or, when they do, it turns into a mini disaster with water everywhere. Supervision is key for a while!
10. Car Ride Emergencies
    No matter how many times you ask if they need to go before a trip, there will inevitably be a moment during the drive when someone urgently needs a bathroom, often when you’re miles away from the nearest exit.

The bright side? It really does improve over time. I can’t recall the last time I had to remind my 9-year-old to use the bathroom; he’s quite adept at managing public restrooms now (though I still have to remind him about washing his hands!). My 3-year-old is only a few weeks into potty training and is doing well, though I know that could change in an instant. I anticipate tossing the last of the diapers soon, ushering in a newly potty-trained phase. However, I’m also bracing for the new challenges that will inevitably follow.

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Summary:

Potty training is just the start of a long journey filled with bathroom-related challenges, from needing constant reminders to managing accidents at school and navigating public restrooms. Though it can feel overwhelming, the process does improve with time, and soon you’ll be enjoying a new phase of independence alongside your children.