When our family of four transitioned from a cramped one-bedroom apartment to our current three-bedroom duplex, we felt incredibly fortunate. We gained a substantial amount of space, a yard, a patio, new appliances, and ample storage. At that moment, I didn’t even consider the fact that our new home had only one bathroom — I was just thrilled about the extra square footage. Plus, our youngest was still in diapers, so we were mainly thinking about three people sharing that single bathroom.
Fast forward three years: we’ve comfortably settled in, our youngest is out of diapers, and our tween has developed a penchant for long showers. Suddenly, having just one bathroom has become a significant issue. Have you ever noticed that it seems like everyone in the house needs to use the toilet at the same time? Maybe it’s something you all ate, or perhaps it’s simply that time of day when everyone is relaxed enough to let it all out. If you have more than one bathroom, you might find it amusing; but for those of us with just the one, particularly after a family burrito night, it’s definitely not a laughing matter.
And don’t get me started on the chaos that ensues when our sole toilet gets clogged — whether it’s from an overzealous bowel or a rubber ducky that mysteriously makes its way down the plumbing. It’s not solely about toilet time, though; showering and basic grooming can turn into a frustrating ordeal, especially when we’re all trying to get out of the house on time. Bedtime can be a circus too, with kids colliding, water spilling everywhere, and toothpaste flying. At times like these, I wish we could just separate them into different bathrooms.
Then there’s the issue of privacy. While I shouldn’t expect too much privacy with young kids around, sometimes I just want to use the bathroom without someone barging in, claiming they urgently need to pee (which often turns out to be an exaggeration as they just want some attention). If I could have another bathroom, it would be my own personal retreat – a “mom’s only” spa where I could enjoy a moment of self-care or escape when the kids are at each other’s throats. A place where I could lock the door and indulge in some ice cream without fearing an invasion.
However, I recognize that adding another bathroom won’t magically resolve all of life’s challenges. I’m aware that my home is a privilege compared to many around the world, where having even one working bathroom is a luxury. I recall my grandfather sharing stories about growing up in New York City tenements where the entire building shared a single bathroom.
Since we rent, upgrading our bathroom situation would mean moving, which isn’t feasible right now. So, while I often vent about our one-bathroom predicament (and I believe venting is perfectly acceptable), it is what it is—for now.
Interestingly, there are benefits to our modest living situation. Our family has learned to cooperate, take turns, and navigate the challenges of sharing a small bathroom. My kids are discovering that extra bathrooms aren’t necessary for happiness, and they’ve developed a sense of gratitude for what they have. Plus, I’d say we’ve all built some pretty strong butt muscles in the process, which is certainly a silver lining!
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Summary:
Living in a one-bathroom home has its challenges, especially for a family of four. From coordinating toilet time to managing shower schedules, the lack of privacy can be overwhelming. However, this situation teaches cooperation and gratitude, while also fostering resilience within the family.