Our youngest, Mia, is 3 1/2 years old. My partner, Sarah, works at our children’s school and enjoys summers off. During the school year, Mia attends daycare, but this summer felt like our last shot to get her potty trained before preschool. She’s putting up quite the fight. Sarah and I have been tackling this challenge in shifts, and honestly, it feels like our home is perpetually soaked in urine.
We’ve tried a myriad of strategies: stickers, treats, movies, letting her lounge on the toilet sans clothes while watching her tablet, having her observe family members, you name it. She knows what’s happening; she announces it with glee, laughing and pointing while proudly declaring, “I’m going pee-pee!” Sometimes, she sneaks up behind me, checks my backside, and asks, “Are you poopy, Daddy?”
“No, I’m not. Thanks for checking.”
“Oh,” she replies with a cheeky grin, “I poopy.”
All three of our kids have been early walkers and talkers but have taken their sweet time mastering the potty. For years, they’ve been adorable little bundles of joy—and mess. Every time we face this challenge, we find ourselves short on time, with work and school commitments looming, while other parents regale us with tales of their effortless potty training experiences.
“My daughter was potty trained in a day.”
“My son was using the potty at six months.”
“My daughter asked to use the potty at two, and now she’s solving quadratic equations at three.”
Each time I hear these stories, it feels like a slap in the face—a subtle implication that they’re far superior in the parenting department while I’m still dealing with a toddler in diapers. In those moments, I want to cover their mouths with my pee-soaked hands and tell them to shove their success stories where the sun doesn’t shine. Yes, I’m frustrated, and my house smells like a public restroom.
Okay, maybe that’s an overreaction.
If your child figured it out with ease, congratulations! I’m genuinely happy for you. But right now, I’m swimming in a sea of Peppa Pig underwear, and I can’t sit anywhere without worrying about finding a wet spot.
So, if you’re one of those “potty training was a walk in the park” parents, you might want to click away. This message is for those of us entrenched in the struggle—working moms and dads who need to get this potty training situation sorted before the school year begins. I’m talking to the parents chasing around a naked little one while desperately shouting, “Put it in the potty!”
I understand your pain. It’s tough, and everyone around you makes it sound like a breeze, which only adds to the feeling of failure when your child isn’t getting it. You’re not alone, and you’re not screwing up. I promise they will figure it out eventually—even if it doesn’t feel that way right now.
If you’re like Sarah and me, you’re spending your evenings scouring the internet for new potty training tips. If you have a supportive partner, you’re working together to find the best approach for your child, knowing that for some kids, this process can be a real uphill battle.
And you know what? That’s perfectly normal. That’s what real parenting looks like—teamwork. When that moment arrives, and your child finally climbs onto the toilet by themselves and lets it all go where it’s supposed to, the sense of satisfaction will be unparalleled. It’ll feel better than when you first earned your driver’s license or when your partner said, “I do.” It’s a triumph that surpasses even graduation day. I’m not exaggerating—the sweet victory is on a whole other level.
So hang in there. Don’t lose hope. Remember, every child is unique, and just because yours is struggling with potty training doesn’t diminish their brilliance or importance. Ignore the judgmental parents, keep an eye out for those “I need to potty” signals, have carpet cleaner at the ready, and stay in the fight. It will all work out, I assure you.
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Summary:
Potty training can be a daunting task, especially for parents facing time constraints and struggling children. While some parents make it seem easy, many are in the thick of it, dealing with the mess and frustration. It’s a reminder that every child is different, and perseverance is key. In the end, the victory of successful potty training will feel monumental.
Keyphrase: Potty Training Struggles
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