Potty training is one of those milestones that fills parents with dread, even though it’s ultimately beneficial. The promise of ditching diapers and the associated costs is alluring, but the journey can be a long and arduous one. When my first child, Emily, was just 18 months old, I eagerly embarked on this training adventure, only to find myself in a year and a half of chaotic challenges before she was finally fully trained at nearly 3 years old. Now, as my second child, Leo, reaches the age of 2, my approach is decidedly different. Here are my reasons for putting off potty training for the time being:
- It’s a Messy Business
Any parent who has experienced potty training knows the cleanup can be downright disgusting. You’ll encounter situations that will haunt your memories forever. - Post-Training Cleanup Still Exists
Even once Leo is using the toilet, I’ll still be faced with the aftermath of his bathroom habits for years to come. The thought of scrubbing urine from every corner of the bathroom is not appealing. - Butt Wiping Isn’t Over
After mastering potty training, there’s still the challenge of wiping. Even if they start doing it themselves, you can bet on unpredictable results. - I Can’t Pause Life Every 20 Minutes
While diapers may be pricey, they offer a level of convenience that is hard to match during outings. Without them, trips become a frantic journey to find restrooms everywhere. - Public Bathrooms Are a Nightmare
Navigating public restrooms with kids is an exercise in chaos. It involves awkward maneuvers to fit into tiny stalls while trying to ensure that one child doesn’t touch anything—and good luck if there’s an automatic flush! - Flushing Fears or Fascinations
My oldest, Ava, is terrified of flushing, often leaving her business for someone else to deal with. Meanwhile, other kids are so intrigued that they flush everything from toys to tissues down the toilet. There’s really no winning here. - Reward Expectations Skyrocket
Once you start using rewards like stickers for potty success, you’ve opened a Pandora’s box. Kids will begin to think they deserve a prize for merely existing, which can quickly spiral out of control. - Laundry Overload Is Real
I’m already drowning in laundry as it is. The last thing I need is more dirty towels, sheets, and clothes that have seen better days and carry unpleasant odors. - Sleep Is Too Precious
If potty training only involved daytime activities, it might be manageable. However, moving away from nighttime pull-ups means either waking up to assist or dealing with the inevitable mess. The thought of losing more sleep is overwhelming. - Toddlers Are Stressful Enough
Simple tasks like getting dressed or having meals turn into major battles with toddlers. Adding potty training to the mix could send me running for the nearest box of wine.
So let the world judge when they see Leo still in diapers; I’m not ready to halt our lives for potty training just yet. I trust that we will figure it out before he enters kindergarten, but for now, my patience is thin. For additional insights on parenting topics, check out this resource about at-home insemination kits, or consider looking at this guide for pregnancy-related information. If you’re on the hunt for stylish toddler accessories, take a peek at these sunglasses that are trending this year.
Summary
Potty training can feel overwhelming for parents, with messes to clean up, expectations to manage, and the chaos of navigating public restrooms. For now, I’m choosing to delay this significant milestone in favor of preserving my sanity and sleep.