When our family of four transitioned from a cramped one-bedroom apartment to our spacious three-bedroom duplex, we felt incredibly fortunate. We suddenly had triple the square footage, a yard to play in, a patio for summer evenings, brand new appliances, and ample storage that seemed limitless. At the time, I hardly considered the fact that we had only one bathroom—my focus was solely on the open space. Our youngest was still in diapers, so it was really just three of us needing to share the single bathroom.
Fast forward three years: we’ve settled into our new routine, the youngest is out of diapers, and our tween has taken to indulging in lengthy showers. Suddenly, the lack of a second bathroom is becoming a significant challenge. It’s almost as if our household has a magic trigger that makes everyone need to use the toilet at the same time—perhaps it’s something we all ate or just the right moment in the day when relaxation hits. If you have multiple bathrooms, you might chuckle at this; if you don’t, and everyone just enjoyed a burrito, it’s anything but funny.
And let’s not even get started on the chaos of a clogged toilet thanks to a rogue rubber duck or an overactive digestive system.
Showering and basic grooming are also a hassle, especially during the morning rush when everyone is trying to get ready and out the door on time. Bedtime turns into a circus act with kids bumping into each other, spilling water, and turning toothpaste into a projectile. There are moments when I wish I could segregate them into separate bathrooms!
Then there’s the issue of privacy. While I know that peace is fleeting with young children around, there are times I just want to use the bathroom in peace, maybe indulge in a little self-care, or try out that new concealer I bought online. But more often than not, I’m interrupted by a child whose bladder is about to burst—only to find out they just wanted some company.
If I could design a second bathroom, it would be a sanctuary just for me, a “mom-only” retreat. A place where I could escape for a few minutes, or even just lock the door to enjoy a pint of Ben & Jerry’s without fear of interruption.
However, I realize that adding another bathroom wouldn’t solve all our problems. I’m also aware that our home is quite luxurious compared to many around the world. My grandfather often recounted how he grew up in New York City tenements where the entire building shared a single bathroom.
Given that we rent, the only way to gain an extra bathroom would be to move, which isn’t on the horizon. So while I certainly vent about our one-bathroom situation (and rightfully so), I also recognize it as a part of our current reality.
There are upsides to this shared living situation. Our family is learning to cooperate, to take turns, and to navigate the stresses of sharing one small bathroom. My kids are gaining an appreciation for what they have and understanding that having more than one bathroom is not a necessity.
And you know what? We’ve all developed some pretty strong glute muscles in the process—definitely something to be proud of!
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