It’s a well-known fact that every child is unique. As a mother of three, I’m learning this lesson more profoundly every day. With my youngest now 3 years old and my own energy dwindling at 38, I’m starting to appreciate the little things. Mornings are less chaotic since my kids have figured out how to sneak downstairs for cartoons without waking me. Trips to the store have become a breeze now that we’ve bid farewell to naptime, and I can finally relax at the playground without worrying about injuries. I’ve cleared away most of the baby gear and am passing along clothes my youngest has outgrown. It feels like a breath of fresh air after navigating the baby years.
However, there’s one cloud still hanging over my head: my youngest is not potty trained yet, and he’s 3 and a half. Instead of rallying him for potty training, I find myself giving pep talks—mostly to myself. “This week’s the week!” “Seriously, let’s get this done!” But let’s be honest, I’m tired. The thought of tackling potty training again feels daunting, so I came up with a little mantra to help me through it. Here are six reasons why putting off potty training your last child might not be such a bad idea:
1. You Remember the Mess.
Having been through this process a few times, you recall the less glamorous aspects that can linger in your memory forever. The image of scraping poop from big-kid underwear and dealing with pee everywhere isn’t exactly motivating. And let’s not even talk about the potential for diarrhea disasters. No thanks, I think I’ll hold off.
2. You’re Juggling More.
With two older kids, life is busier than ever. Between swim lessons, soccer practice, and PTA commitments, my days are jam-packed. Gone are the days when I could focus solely on the first child’s potty training while they watched Elmo on repeat. Now, I barely have time to breathe!
3. Your Baby Relishes Being a Baby.
And, let’s face it, part of you enjoys having a baby around—just a smidgen. I absolutely want to retire from diaper duty, but saying goodbye to my youngest as a baby is tough. Plus, I’ve become an Olympic-level diaper changer at this point. Seriously, he’s not a big kid yet!
4. The Excitement Has Dwindled.
It’s hard to be enthusiastic about the potty training journey when it feels so unexciting. I’d love for my youngest to use the potty, but the thought of sitting in the bathroom for hours waiting for a dribble isn’t exactly thrilling compared to cozying up with a good show after the kids are in bed.
5. Public Restrooms are a Nightmare.
One of my proudest achievements is teaching my kids to flush with their foot. While my husband educates them on math, I handle public restroom etiquette. But navigating a public restroom with three kids is a recipe for chaos. “Don’t touch anything!” is my constant mantra. A 3-year-old’s pooping schedule is unpredictable, and I don’t want to deal with potential stall peeking!
6. You’re Still Wiping Anyway.
Potty training might seem like a significant milestone, but let’s be real: it often just shifts the task from one position to another. Kids have tiny arms that can’t quite manage the cleanup, so you’re still in the mix. It might be worth waiting until their reach improves, so you can avoid hearing, “Mom! I’m done!” just as you sit down for dinner.
While the thought of a diaper-free home is exciting, I’m equally relieved to postpone potty training. It’s a true midlife conundrum. I’ll just keep my distance from the eager first-time mom potty training her 18-month-old and embrace a few more diaper changes for my sanity.
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Summary:
Potty training your last child might feel overwhelming, especially after having navigated the challenges with older kids. The mess, the chaos, and the emotional struggle of letting go of babyhood can all contribute to the desire to wait. Embrace the chaos a little longer, and remember that every child is unique in their own timeline.
Keyphrase: Reasons to Delay Potty Training
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