Scrubs and Snuggles

Parenting has a funny way of keeping you on your toes. Just when you feel like you’ve finally figured something out or survived a phase, even celebrated a small win, another milestone quietly (or not so quietly) shows up. It really does feel never-ending.

If someone had told me when my son was born that potty training would be tough, I honestly would have laughed. Or assumed they were just trying to be mean. Because now, looking back on our journey which took about nine months from when he was 2 and half years to 3 years plus. I can say without hesitation… it was hard.

Not impossible, but definitely one of those parenting challenges that stretches you in ways you don’t expect.

For me, the toughest part wasn’t just the training itself, it was everything that came with it. The logistics. The preparation. The mental load. I became that mum who carried a whole “potty survival kit” everywhere. A mobile potty, a foldable toilet seat, disposable covers, even a urinal packed neatly in the car or tucked under the buggy like we were always on standby for an emergency.

And then there were the accidents. So many accidents.

I quickly learned to never leave the house without at least five changes of clothes. It might sound excessive, but I like to be prepared and potty training definitely taught me that surprises are part of the package whether you like it or not.

Now, my son is 3 years and 6 months old, and I can finally say we’ve made it through daytime toilet training. That alone feels like a huge achievement, one worth celebrating.

But of course, parenting doesn’t let you rest for too long.

Next up: night time toilet training.

If I’m being honest, this is the part I’ve been quietly avoiding. Dreading, even. I’ve already stocked up on plenty of bed protectors to save his mattress (and my sanity), trying to prepare myself mentally for what’s to come.

What I’ve noticed so far is interesting, if he sleeps later, he often wakes up dry. But if he sleeps earlier, we’re almost guaranteed a wet night. So while I’m proud of how far we’ve come, I know there’s still another phase ahead of us.

And I guess at this point, I can’t keep putting it off. It’s time to face it head-on, just like every other parenting milestone. One step at a time.

So, I’m calling on all the experienced mums (and dads!) out there, how did you navigate night time toilet training?

Do you have any tips, tricks, or survival strategies to share?

Because this mummy is ready… well, almost ready. 😊