Parenting is a journey filled with unique challenges, and as a mother of three, I can attest to the fact that each child is a distinct experience. Now that my youngest is 3 and a half, I find myself reflecting on this truth, especially as I approach my 38th birthday. Yes, things are becoming slightly easier—no more naptime battles or toddler tantrums in public. However, there’s one lingering task that I keep postponing: potty training my youngest. Instead of motivating him, I often find myself in a pep talk of my own.
“Alright, this week is the week!”
“No, seriously, let’s get this done!”
“What are you waiting for? Just potty train him already!”
But the reality is, I’m exhausted. Here are six compelling reasons why I’m choosing to wait a bit longer before diving into potty training with my youngest:
- The Memories Are Unforgettable: Having gone through potty training multiple times, I vividly recall the not-so-glamorous aspects—like the chaos that ensues when a toddler’s bathroom habits go awry. From scrubbing poop from underwear to dealing with unexpected accidents, these memories make me hesitant to jump back into the fray.
- Life Is Busier Now: With two older children in the mix, my days are packed with activities, from soccer practice to school projects. The simplicity of potty training my first child, where I could devote entire days to just one kid and binge-watch Elmo, is long gone.
- The Youngest Loves Being the Baby: Let’s face it; part of me enjoys having a little one to care for. While I dream of a diaper-free household, I’m also aware that saying goodbye to my last baby is bittersweet. Plus, my skills in diaper changing have reached Olympic levels, and I’m not ready to give that up just yet.
- Generating Excitement Is Tough: Honestly, the excitement of potty training dwindles when you’ve done it before. I’d much rather spend my evenings binge-watching old sitcoms than sitting in a bathroom waiting for my child to figure out the process.
- Public Restrooms Are a Challenge: Taking three kids to a public restroom is no small feat. My greatest achievement is teaching them to flush with their feet. With a 3-year-old’s unpredictable potty schedule, I find myself in a frantic dash to keep them from touching anything unsanitary.
- You’re Still Changing Diapers Anyway: Even after achieving the milestone of potty training, you may find yourself still wiping little bums. Kids often struggle to reach those hard-to-get areas, so the transition really just shifts the location of diaper duty instead of eliminating it entirely.
While I eagerly await the day I can declare my home diaper-free, I’m equally content postponing potty training for just a little while longer. It’s a true midlife dilemma. So, I’ll kindly avert my gaze from the mom who is tackling potty training her 18-month-old while I continue to savor the last few diaper changes for the sake of my own sanity.
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Summary
Potty training your youngest child can be a daunting task, especially when you have other responsibilities and memories from previous experiences. The busyness of life, the bittersweet nature of leaving the baby stage behind, and the challenges of public restrooms all contribute to the decision to delay this milestone. For now, embracing the diaper years a bit longer may just be the best choice for your family.