Our youngest, Charlie, is three and a half years old. My partner, Alex, works at our children’s school and enjoys summers off. During the school year, Charlie attends daycare, but this summer was our last chance to get him potty trained before preschool. Let me tell you, he’s not making it easy on us. It feels like there’s a constant stream of accidents in our home.
We’ve tried everything—stickers, treats, movies, and even letting him sit on the toilet without clothes while distracted by a tablet. We’ve had him watch family members use the toilet, and we’ve even gifted him real underwear. You get the picture. He knows when he’s going; he’ll announce it loudly, point at himself, and chuckle, saying, “I’m going pee-pee!” Sometimes, he sneaks up behind me to check if I’m wearing a diaper, asking, “You poopy, Daddy?”
“No, I’m not. Thanks for checking!” I reply, trying to stifle my laughter.
All three of our kids have learned to walk and talk early but have consistently struggled with potty training. For years, they’ve been adorable little bundles of joy—and mess. With each one, we haven’t had the luxury to simply “wait for them to figure it out.” We’ve always faced work or school deadlines, creating a tight window to teach them before they start preschool. Meanwhile, a few parents we meet seem to take pride in sharing their seemingly effortless potty training success stories: “My daughter was potty trained in just one day!” “My son was using the potty at six months!” “My daughter asked to use the toilet at two and figured it out without a hitch.”
Every time I hear these tales, it feels like a subtle jab, suggesting that I’m somehow failing as a parent because my child is still in diapers. My frustration boils over, and I want to shout at them to shove their success stories where the sun doesn’t shine. It’s maddening—my house smells like a petting zoo, and you’re telling me how easy it is?
Okay, maybe I’m being a bit dramatic. If your child mastered potty training quickly, congratulations! I genuinely mean that. But right now, I’m surrounded by a mountain of soiled Peppa Pig underwear, and every seat in my house feels like a potential wet spot.
For parents like Alex and me, this message is for you. I’m reaching out to the working moms and dads who need to get their child trained within a specific timeframe, battling against their resistance. I’m speaking to the parents chasing after a little one, pee streaming from their legs, while you’re frantically shouting, “To the potty!”
I understand your struggle. It feels overwhelming when everyone else makes it seem so simple, and you’re left feeling like a complete failure. Trust me; you’re not alone, and you’re doing nothing wrong. Eventually, they will figure it out—eventually. In the moment, however, it can feel like an uphill battle.
If you’re like Alex and me, each evening is spent scouring the internet for new potty training methods. With a supportive partner, you’re taking turns, working together to find what works best for your child. For some kids, potty training is a genuine challenge, and that’s perfectly okay.
When your child finally climbs onto the toilet all by themselves and successfully does their business, the feeling of accomplishment will be unparalleled. It’ll be more satisfying than getting your driver’s license or the moment your partner says, “I do.” I’m not exaggerating—the pride you’ll feel is on another level.
So hang in there. Don’t lose hope. Remember that every child is unique. Just because your little one is struggling doesn’t diminish their worth or intelligence. So to all the judgmental parents out there, keep your opinions to yourself! Stay vigilant for those signs that they need to go. Keep the carpet cleaner nearby, and continue to fight the good fight. I promise it will pay off.
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Summary
Potty training can be a daunting challenge for many parents, especially when faced with tight timelines and stubborn toddlers. It’s easy to feel isolated when others share their success stories, but it’s important to remember that every child is different. Teamwork, patience, and perseverance are key. Eventually, your child will master the potty, and you’ll share in an incredible sense of accomplishment.