April 2, 2023
When our family of four transitioned from a cramped one-bedroom apartment to our new three-bedroom duplex, we felt incredibly fortunate. We gained about three times the living space, complete with a yard, patio, new appliances, and ample storage. At that moment, the prospect of having only one bathroom didn’t even cross my mind; I was just thrilled about the extra room. With our youngest still in diapers, it was essentially just three people using the facilities.
Fast forward three years, and while we’ve fully settled into our home and our youngest has outgrown diapers, our tween now takes lengthy showers. The single bathroom situation has escalated into a significant issue—one that is hard to ignore.
Have you ever noticed that there are times when everyone in the house needs to use the toilet simultaneously? Perhaps it’s something you all ate, or maybe it’s just that time of day when everyone feels relaxed enough to…let it all go. If you have multiple bathrooms, it’s easy to laugh it off. However, if you’re like us and have only one bathroom—and everyone just enjoyed a burrito—it’s a recipe for disaster, not laughter.
And let’s not even discuss the chaos that ensues when the lone toilet gets clogged, whether it’s due to a child’s overzealous bowel movements or a misplaced rubber ducky.
It’s not merely about toilet usage or the occasional clog. Showering and basic grooming become a logistical nightmare, particularly during the rush to get everyone out of the house on time. Bedtime routines turn into a chaotic scene of kids colliding, spilling water, and spraying toothpaste everywhere. At those moments, I would love to have the option to separate them into different bathrooms.
Then there’s the issue of privacy. While I generally don’t expect much of it with young kids around, sometimes I yearn for a moment of solitude on the toilet—perhaps to wash up, groom myself, or try out that new concealer I purchased online. Yet, I can hardly stay in there for more than a few minutes before someone barges in, claiming their bladder is about to burst (though it often turns out they just want company, because heaven forbid mom be out of sight for five minutes).
If I could design a bathroom just for myself, it would be a personal sanctuary—a “mom’s only” retreat. A place to escape for a few moments of self-care or to hide when the kids are wrestling and bickering. A space where I could lock the door and indulge in a pint of Ben and Jerry’s without fear of interruption.
Nevertheless, I recognize that acquiring another bathroom won’t magically resolve all of life’s challenges. I also acknowledge that our home is luxurious by the standards of many around the world. Simply having one functional bathroom with running water is a privilege. My grandfather often shared stories about growing up in New York City tenements where entire buildings shared a single bathroom!
As we rent our home, upgrading our bathroom situation would require a move—something not on the horizon for us. While I frequently complain about our single restroom (and I believe there’s nothing wrong with that), it is what it is—for now.
In reflecting on our modest living situation, I realize there are benefits. Our family must learn to cooperate, take turns, and navigate the challenges of sharing one small bathroom. My children are discovering that having additional bathrooms is not a necessity, fostering a sense of gratitude for what we do have. Plus, we’ve all undoubtedly developed some impressive core strength from holding it in!
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In summary, while sharing a single bathroom can be a significant challenge for our family, it also teaches us valuable lessons in cooperation and gratitude.
Keyphrase: One-Bathroom Family Challenges
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