Without a doubt, the most challenging aspect of parenting for me (so far—I’m not yet dealing with teenagers) has been potty training. It truly tested my limits and left me feeling defeated. I never anticipated the intense struggles I would face with my children. I began the process with my eldest before he was ready because my friends were already doing it. With my youngest, I found myself battling for control, even though he was incredibly strong-willed. I took every accident personally, feeling as if I had failed—wondering why we weren’t progressing faster.
Let’s just say I didn’t follow the Potty Training 101 Handbook very well. I cried, slammed doors, poured myself a glass of wine, and just when I thought I was done with one child, another was ready to start, dragging me into nearly a decade of potty training chaos.
If you’re in the same boat—realizing you may have started too soon and are unsure whether to push through or take a break, or if you’re feeling the weight of guilt because your child is four and still having accidents, or if you’re on the brink of losing it from wiping one more bottom—I completely understand. I’ve walked that path. And when someone says, “Don’t worry, they won’t go to college in diapers!” and you feel the urge to punch them because you’re not so sure, just remember this: they really won’t go to college in diapers. (You can take your frustration out on me.) And don’t forget—you’re doing an amazing job. Your child is wonderful, whether they make it to the potty in time or learn to clean themselves.
Potty training can feel like an endless battle. Confession #25806076 sums it up perfectly: “Hearing about potty training success while my daughter is having medical issues makes me furious.”
Confession #25731198: “I’m currently in the chaos of potty training. I have two little ones peeing all over my house—send help!”
It’s a struggle that many parents know all too well. Potty training a toddler while working from home during a pandemic is an experience I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Confession #25796340 states, “I just gave up on potty training, and you know what? It feels great.”
If you decide to take a break, that’s fine. If you’re still in the trenches but muttering “this is ridiculous” under your breath, that’s totally okay too.
Sometimes, in the midst of this madness, parents add even more to their plate. Like when we impulsively decided to get a puppy—well, two puppies, actually! Now, I’m outside sweating while the kids are cool inside, playing video games. Confession #25788960 captures this perfectly: “Adopted the cutest puppy. She’s a tiny whirlwind. I hope this phase ends soon!”
And just when you think you’re done with potty training one child, you find yourself in a situation with a toddler and a puppy both needing to learn the ropes. The chaos is never-ending.
For instance, my four-year-old still struggles with potty training. One day while running errands, he used his travel potty in the car, and I panicked when it was time to dispose of it. I ended up tossing it into a bush at the shopping center and sprinting away!
Confession #25757827: “I can’t even understand my two-year-old sometimes. Today I thought he wanted a cookie, but he was actually telling me he had an accident in his pants.”
Once you’ve made it through potty training, you’ll have a treasure trove of stories to share with fellow parents. Like that time you had to dispose of your child’s mess in a public bush.
I’m relieved now that my daughter started school, but I didn’t enjoy the baby and toddler stages unless she was asleep or cuddling with me. I’m done having kids just because I can’t bear the thought of going through those first four years again. And honestly, potty training? Never again.
Many parents find that the struggle of potty training can even be a deterrent to having more children. Confession #23913360: “Potty training is what made me stop at one kid. The toddler stage is just too much.”
The challenges of potty training can leave many feeling overwhelmed. For some, the stress is enough to make them say, “Nope!” to more kids. And that’s completely understandable.
The poop aspect is the worst part of potty training. I always thought folks were exaggerating. But wow! My days now revolve around ensuring my child gets that poop out.
Confession #22146967: “Potty training is tough, but why didn’t anyone warn me about the fear of poop? Holding it in, worrying about blockages—nothing seems to work.”
And let’s be real: many parents are utterly unprepared for the realities of toddler poop. Potty training isn’t just about pee puddles; it’s about tackling toddler-sized messes in public bathrooms, which is a whole new level of chaos.
As you navigate this journey, remember that potty training can be exhausting, making you feel like you’re failing as a parent or losing your mind. Some kids seem to master it in just a few days, while others seem to prefer the long, drawn-out approach—leaving you with lots of wine and tears.
But hang in there—you’ll get through it, and even if they have setbacks, you’ll be okay. In just a few years, they’ll be teenagers asking for the car keys, and you’ll find yourself wishing for those days when your biggest worry was a little pee on the floor.
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In summary, potty training can be an incredibly challenging phase for parents, filled with emotional ups and downs. Every child is unique, and it’s important to remember that patience and perseverance are key. Even when it feels overwhelming, it’s a phase that will eventually pass.
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