I know it might sound strange, but I really dread the idea of potty training my 2-year-old. While many parents eagerly anticipate the day they can say goodbye to diapers, the reality of the process feels overwhelming. Here’s why I’m holding onto those diapers for a little while longer:
1. The Freedom of Diapers
Kids in diapers can go anywhere—playdates, errands, and parks—without a second thought. Sure, there are occasional blowouts and cleanups can be disgusting, but at least I’m not worrying about finding a restroom at every turn. Yes, diapers can be costly, but the flexibility they provide is hard to beat.
2. Cleaning Challenges
Despite spending what feels like half my day in the bathroom, my daughter often manages to wait until she’s off the toilet to have an accident. This leads to puddles on the floor and unfortunate messes in her cute outfits. Cleaning up after these accidents is a nightmare, and the laundry piles up with stinky undies and pants that need constant attention.
3. Fear of Outings
Every time I venture out, I can’t help but worry: Will she need to use the potty during errands? The thought of an accident happening at a store or my friend’s house is mortifying. I remember when I potty trained my son; I always had a stain removal spray on hand, and my friends joked that I was a walking advertisement for it. I was just being cautious.
4. Public Restroom Anxiety
I don’t think I need to elaborate on how daunting public restrooms can be for parents.
5. Monotonous Questions
Whenever we do go out, I find myself repeating the same question: “Do you need to go potty?” endlessly. Not only does this annoy me, but it also seems to drive my daughter crazy. Plus, I often end up convincing myself that I need to go, too—a real annoyance.
6. Ditching the Purse
Who needs a purse when I have to carry around a mini emergency kit for potty training? Forget about carrying diapers; now I’ve got extra underwear, pants, and plastic bags for any accidents. I even use Ziploc bags to avoid unpleasant surprises later. It’s a struggle to fit in everything, from wipes to snacks, and I can barely remember what a purse feels like.
7. The Unpredictability of a Potty-Trained Toddler
Once a child is potty trained, accidents can still happen—often at the worst times. Whether it’s during a grocery run or just as you’re about to leave for an outing, that urgent need to go can strike at any moment. While I might save on diapers, I’m still faced with countless other challenges.
Potty training is undoubtedly a major milestone, and while the end result is appealing—no more diapers, lighter laundry, and more ease during outings—the journey there feels like navigating an uphill battle. However, I know that with time, my daughter will be ready, and I’ll be left with a laundry basket filled with tiny, colorful undies.
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