[SoDu Parenting Pickles] Potty Break in the Pickup Line?

Support neighborhood news with our Southpoint Summer fundraiser on GoFundMe!

Disclaimer: SoDu Parenting Pickles posts are written by a fellow parent, sharing experiences, reflections, and thoughts on raising kids in South Durham. This column is not written by a licensed therapist or counselor and should not be taken as professional mental health, medical, or legal advice. Every family’s situation is unique – please use your own judgment and seek professional guidance when needed.

Question: “I was stuck in the middle of the two-wide carpool line at my older child’s school, 15 minutes before cars started moving. My younger child was in the car with me and suddenly had to pee. Since I couldn’t pull out of line or walk them into the school, what’s the best move here? Do I let them pee right beside the car on the grass, or wait until the line starts moving and try to find a bathroom?”

The SoDu Pickle Picker: You’re not the first parent to face this dilemma. It happens. School handbooks don’t really spell out what to do when your younger passenger has a bathroom emergency while picking up an older sibling, but let’s consider some factors:

Once you’re boxed into carpool, you really can’t leave without disrupting dozens of cars.
Safety rules discourage walking small children across the lanes.
School staff might say “take the kid inside,” but in practice you really can’t abandon your car in the middle of the line.

If you can find a nearby bush or out building where the child can privately relieve themselves, that’s probably best. If you can’t do that safely, then – despite the fact that it’s very visible and could invite complaints – using grass next to the car is about all you can hope for. Maybe use a towel or blanket for privacy?

All that being said: parents could defuse this situation by making preparations and keeping an emergency potty kit in the car, including:

A fold-up travel potty with disposal liners or a small portable urinal.
A stash of wipes, sanitizer, and disposable bags.
A change of clothes, just in case.

If you don’t have a potty kit and the need is urgent, other parents in line are likely to understand the predicament with a child in distress. A little grace goes a long way.

💬 Got a parenting pickle of your own? Send your questions to wes.platt@southpointaccess.news Southpoint Access for future columns of SoDu Parenting Pickles.

Spread the word by sharing this Southpoint Access newsletter with friends and neighbors. Got a tip for your neighborhood news guy? Send email to ⁠⁠wes.platt@southpointaccess.news⁠⁠.