Potty training is one of those parenting milestones that fills you with both dread and anticipation. You know it’s a necessary step toward independence, and you can almost taste the freedom of no more diapers! That’s why we decided to start potty training our first child when she was just 18 months old. Unfortunately, we didn’t achieve full success until she was nearly three, resulting in what felt like an eternity of potty training chaos. Now, with our second child, Oliver, who just turned 2, you might expect me to dive back into potty training. But honestly? I’m actively steering clear of it like the plague for several reasons:
- It’s Just Plain Gross.
Any parent who’s ventured through potty training knows that it involves a level of messiness that’s hard to describe. You’ll encounter sights and smells that you’d rather forget. - The Cleanup Doesn’t Stop After Training.
Even once Oliver is successfully using the toilet, I’ll still be cleaning up after him for years to come. I’m not in a rush to deal with that additional mess! - Wiping Butts is No Fun.
Potty training doesn’t magically eliminate the need for butt wiping. Even if kids learn to do it themselves, you’ll find yourself living in a constant state of anxiety about what they might miss. - I Can’t Pause Life Every 20 Minutes.
Diapers may be costly, but they offer convenience when we’re out and about. Once we’re potty training, it transforms every outing into a quest for the nearest restroom. - Public Restrooms Are a Nightmare.
Getting into a stall with both kids is like attempting a contortionist act. One child needs help while the other is likely to touch every surface. Plus, I can’t count how many times one of them has been startled by an automatic flush. - Flushing is a Mixed Bag.
Our oldest is terrified of flushing toilets, so she tends to let things sit until someone else comes along. Meanwhile, kids who are fascinated by the flush might try to see what else they can send down the toilet. It’s a lose-lose situation. - Reward Expectations Skyrocket.
Once you introduce stickers or treats for using the potty, you create a monster that demands rewards for every little thing. It’s a slippery slope that can lead to endless negotiations. - Laundry is Already Overwhelming.
The last thing I need is more laundry, especially when it involves cleaning up after accidents. I can do without the extra loads of stinky towels and sheets. - Sleep is Precious.
Potty training isn’t just a daytime commitment; it also disrupts your nights. Once the nighttime pull-ups are gone, you’re faced with the choice of waking up to assist your child or cleaning up the aftermath. I can hardly bear the thought of losing more sleep! - Managing Toddlers is Stressful Enough.
Everyday tasks with a toddler, like getting dressed or feeding them, are already challenging. Throwing potty training into the mix feels like it could send me over the edge—wine will likely become my best friend!
So, let others judge when they see Oliver still in diapers. I’m not ready to hit pause on our lives for potty training anytime soon. I’m confident we’ll figure it out before kindergarten rolls around, but for now, I simply don’t have the time or patience for that chaos.
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Summary
Potty training is a daunting task filled with mess, stress, and endless cleaning. Between the challenges of public restrooms, the fear of nighttime accidents, and the potential for toddler meltdowns, it’s no wonder many parents, including myself, choose to delay this milestone. While we’ll tackle it eventually, for now, we’re happily navigating life with diapers.