There are certain milestones in life that you know will leave a lasting impact. Starting a new job, tying the knot, welcoming a child into the world, and yes, potty training your little one. While you’ll experience moments of joy and frustration, one thing is certain: the journey to successful toilet use is far from smooth.
1. Underestimating the Challenge
The term “potty training” may sound endearing, conjuring images of a quick and easy process. After all, how hard can it be to ask your child if they need to “go potty” a few times, let them sit on the toilet for a couple of minutes, and perhaps buy some Pull-Ups and handy Kandoo Wipes? That’s how it works in an ideal world where children behave perfectly, right? In reality, potty training is a messy endeavor — quite literally.
2. The Cost of Convenience
One of the appealing aspects of potty training is the thought of saying goodbye to diaper expenses. If you do the math — 10 diapers a day for your little one — you might imagine the savings will allow for a shopping spree, a vacation, or a trip to the spa. However, reality hits hard when that money is redirected towards bribes for the children to use the toilet. What starts as a single piece of candy quickly escalates into toys, bikes, or even a trip to Disneyland.
3. Toilets Are Confusing
To a toddler, the concept of a toilet is vague at best. They might grasp the idea of “going potty,” but they’ll likely misinterpret what counts as an appropriate substitute. Expect to see them attempting to use various items as toilets, such as your suitcase, a measuring cup, or even the dog’s water bowl. It’s a reminder that nothing quite compares to the real thing.
4. The Annoyance Sets In
As the potty training process unfolds, you may find yourself in a repetitive loop of asking your child if they need to use the bathroom every few minutes. You might even become obsessed with rating the cleanliness of public restrooms in your vicinity. At some point, you’ll pause and ask yourself, what am I even doing? Hopefully, it’s before you consider filming and sharing your own potty-themed rap on social media.
5. The Potty Talk Dilemma
During potty training, your daily conversations will likely revolve around bathroom-related topics. Words like “pee-pee” and “poo-poo” will dominate your vocabulary. For the sake of those around you, remember that everyone else probably doesn’t want to hear about the near-miss Timmy had with the “flushie hole.”
It takes incredible patience, dedication, and perhaps a few strong drinks to navigate this phase. However, the moment is approaching when you can finally hand the potty reins over to your child and retire your role as the designated diaper changer.
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Summary
Potty training is a challenging and often messy journey filled with unexpected realities. From underestimating the effort involved to dealing with your child’s imaginative interpretations of what a toilet is, the process can be overwhelming. You might find yourself consumed by potty talk and the constant question of whether your little one needs to go. Despite the hurdles, there will come a time when you can finally step back and let your child take charge of this significant milestone.