When our family of four transitioned from a cramped one-bedroom apartment to our current three-bedroom duplex, we were over the moon. The increase in living space was astonishing—about three times what we had before. We gained a yard, a patio, new appliances, and abundant storage.
At that moment, the fact that our new home had only one bathroom didn’t even cross my mind. With our youngest still in diapers, we were really only juggling the needs of three bathroom users.
Fast forward three years: we’ve fully settled in, our youngest is out of diapers, and our tween has started taking excessively long showers. Suddenly, that one bathroom is becoming a significant issue—a rather huge one, in fact.
Have you ever noticed that it seems like everyone in your household suddenly needs to use the bathroom at once? Perhaps it’s due to a shared meal, or maybe it’s just that time of day when relaxation kicks in. If you have multiple bathrooms, you might chuckle at the situation. But with just one, and if your family just devoured burritos? There’s nothing funny about it.
And let’s not even discuss the chaos that ensues when the toilet gets clogged due to an unexpected mishap, such as a rubber ducky that somehow found its way into the pipes.
It’s not just about bathroom emergencies; getting everyone ready in the morning or for bed becomes a logistical nightmare. The kids often bump into each other, spill water, and even manage to spray toothpaste all over the place. I sometimes wish I could segregate them into separate bathrooms just to save my sanity.
Then, there’s the issue of privacy. While I shouldn’t expect much with young children around, there are times when I long for a moment of peace to use the toilet, wash my face, or try out that new under-eye concealer I purchased online. Instead, I find myself interrupted within minutes by a child who insists they urgently need to pee—though it often turns out they just want some company because, heaven forbid, mom is out of sight for more than five minutes.
If I could have an additional bathroom, I would dream of creating a “mom’s only” retreat; a place where I can escape for a few moments of self-care or find refuge when the kids are at war with one another. A sanctuary where I could lock the door and indulge in ice cream without worrying about an invasion.
However, I recognize that adding another bathroom won’t miraculously fix all of life’s challenges. I’m also aware that our home is quite lavish compared to many around the world, and having even one functional bathroom with decent plumbing is a luxury. I recall my grandfather sharing stories of his childhood in New York City tenements, where entire buildings shared a single bathroom!
Since we rent, the only way to acquire an additional bathroom would be to move, which is not on the horizon. So, while I frequently vent about our one-bathroom situation (and I believe that’s perfectly acceptable), it is what it is for now.
On the bright side, living modestly in this regard has taught our family valuable lessons in cooperation and patience. My children are learning that extra bathrooms aren’t a necessity and are starting to appreciate what they have. Plus, we’ve all undoubtedly developed stronger core muscles from the constant juggling of schedules, which is a benefit I won’t take for granted.
For those interested in navigating the journey of family planning and insemination, you might find our post on the at-home insemination kit helpful. Additionally, Couples Fertility Journey provides valuable insights as an authority on this topic. For more information on fertility insurance, check out this excellent resource here.
In summary, while our one-bathroom family dynamic presents challenges, it also fosters growth, gratitude, and unexpected benefits.
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