What life-lesson there is in potty training
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Christian Life
Last Christmas, our family tackled one of the biggest milestones of parenting: potty training our second child. However, this aspect of parenting does not fail to teach us a lesson for life.
It was an intense, three-week period filled with a mix of emotions. There were accidents, adjustments to routines, and the need to support a little one navigating a significant change in their life.
Each time our child managed to run to the bathroom like a “big kid,” we celebrated his success together. And in the end, we made it! Accidents are almost non-existent, a new diaper-free routine has been established, and our son is proud and confident about his achievement.
In the midst of this, I found myself thanking God for how smoothly this phase went. But as I was offering my thanks, I realised something important: while I had prayed to give thanks after the fact, I hadn’t truly entrusted this transition to God from the beginning.
When we felt the time was right, we started discussing potty training and encouraging the change almost automatically. It felt like a natural part of parenting. After all, every child eventually learns, and it didn’t seem like a “big deal.” Yet, it was undeniably a period of stress, change, and new beginnings.
Beginning
This realisation led me to reflect on a broader truth: How often do I underestimate the power of prayer, even in small, everyday moments, in my role as a mother and in life in general?
Praying about potty training might sound unusual, but the Bible reminds us of the importance of bringing everything, no matter how small, before God:
“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing,” as it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
And in Philippians 4: 6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”.
Recognition
Looking back, I see that even though everything unfolded naturally and without major challenges, intentionally praying for this milestone could have been transformative, not just giving thanks afterwards.
I would have approached the process with more joy, less anxiety during the accidents, and greater recognition of God’s infinite sovereignty, even in the most minor details of my children’s lives.
It’s a reminder that trusting the Creator of Heaven and Earth with even these seemingly insignificant moments helps us embrace parenting with peace, perspective, faith, and gratitude.
In this parenting season and at the start of a new year, I’ve made it my resolution to nurture my prayer life more intentionally. I want to recognise God’s goodness, mercy, and grace in every small corner of my life as a mother and beyond.
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