Adventures in Public Restrooms
Carol, this one’s for you! (Notice her comment on the latest “Ellie-isms” post.)
All parents understand what a monumental event potty-training can be. It sticks with the kids. Whether they do it right or not, they remember everything you say --especially the things you repeat frequently. If you have not yet embarked upon the journey, take heed now. Think about what you say and remember their mouths: toddlers say whatever is on their minds and have no volume control. I am here to tell you public restrooms and toddlers do not mix. Here’s my story.
It was just after Christmas. The stores were packed with return-makers and sale-grabbers. Using a public restroom is difficult (to say the least) with two toddlers and a double stroller. A busy mall doesn’t make it easier, but nature does call.
I stuffed the kids and the stroller into the handicapped stall. (It is the only one where we all fit and the door still closes.) After Ellie went, it was my turn.
“Mommy, are going to make poopy?”
“Nope."
“Mommy, be careful! Don’t let your bottom touch the seat. It might be icky!”
“Shh, shhh … I know, babe." I started to tinkle and …
“Mommy!! You’re going!!” Ellie’s enthusiasm was evident in her high volume and pitch. Even over that I heard a few stifled giggles from outside.
"Ellie, please be quiet." How many people were listening? I think there eight other stalls ... Zach started screaming from the stroller. A pacifier went flying.
“I’m so proud of you! Are you excited, Mommy?”
“Sure.” Trying to get her to be quiet was a waste of breath.
“Mommy, don’t forget to wipe. First you grab the paper ... It's over there.”
“I know, Isabel. I’ve been doing this for a while.”
“Let me wipe the back.”
“No – I got it! Thanks.” At this point the laughter from other patrons was no longer stifled. It was pretty much all-out guffawing. I even heard one comment “How sweet!” Hmmmm ... yeah. Isabel didn’t stop.
“You’re a very, big girl now, Mama.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“Now you flush the potty.”
“Okay.” I surrendered. “What’s next?”
“M&Ms!” I smiled.
As we washed our hands, an elderly lady sitting in the lounge commented on how helpful my daughter was. She told Isabel how important it was for a lady to have proper cleanliness. Isabel, of course, was thrilled with the compliment.
I was so thankful! This stranger eased my embarrassment, but more importantly, she gave me proper perspective. Being a parent is hard. It is exhausting, frustrating, emotionally draining and sometimes just gross and embarrassing. But how many people have delightful stories like this to share? How many people make memories in a public bathroom? I am honored to be one of the blessed who do.
All parents understand what a monumental event potty-training can be. It sticks with the kids. Whether they do it right or not, they remember everything you say --especially the things you repeat frequently. If you have not yet embarked upon the journey, take heed now. Think about what you say and remember their mouths: toddlers say whatever is on their minds and have no volume control. I am here to tell you public restrooms and toddlers do not mix. Here’s my story.
It was just after Christmas. The stores were packed with return-makers and sale-grabbers. Using a public restroom is difficult (to say the least) with two toddlers and a double stroller. A busy mall doesn’t make it easier, but nature does call.
I stuffed the kids and the stroller into the handicapped stall. (It is the only one where we all fit and the door still closes.) After Ellie went, it was my turn.
“Mommy, are going to make poopy?”
“Nope."
“Mommy, be careful! Don’t let your bottom touch the seat. It might be icky!”
“Shh, shhh … I know, babe." I started to tinkle and …
“Mommy!! You’re going!!” Ellie’s enthusiasm was evident in her high volume and pitch. Even over that I heard a few stifled giggles from outside.
"Ellie, please be quiet." How many people were listening? I think there eight other stalls ... Zach started screaming from the stroller. A pacifier went flying.
“I’m so proud of you! Are you excited, Mommy?”
“Sure.” Trying to get her to be quiet was a waste of breath.
“Mommy, don’t forget to wipe. First you grab the paper ... It's over there.”
“I know, Isabel. I’ve been doing this for a while.”
“Let me wipe the back.”
“No – I got it! Thanks.” At this point the laughter from other patrons was no longer stifled. It was pretty much all-out guffawing. I even heard one comment “How sweet!” Hmmmm ... yeah. Isabel didn’t stop.
“You’re a very, big girl now, Mama.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“Now you flush the potty.”
“Okay.” I surrendered. “What’s next?”
“M&Ms!” I smiled.
As we washed our hands, an elderly lady sitting in the lounge commented on how helpful my daughter was. She told Isabel how important it was for a lady to have proper cleanliness. Isabel, of course, was thrilled with the compliment.
I was so thankful! This stranger eased my embarrassment, but more importantly, she gave me proper perspective. Being a parent is hard. It is exhausting, frustrating, emotionally draining and sometimes just gross and embarrassing. But how many people have delightful stories like this to share? How many people make memories in a public bathroom? I am honored to be one of the blessed who do.
Labels: frustration, parenting, potty training
5 Comments:
Oh Tanya that is so funny..I could have elaborated a bit more on my story as well and gone as far as Tanya holding her nose and choking and letting all know what was happening...to this day Tanya avoids public toilets LOL ..there certainly isn't any privacy once you have children that is for sure...
Boy, does your girl love life! Public restroom embarrassment happens to all of us, surely--but when I was little, it was my mother and grandmother that embarrassed me. I think I was supposed to be born a twin; my bladder is at least double-sized...During a long road trip we stopped at a rest stop (I couldn't have been older than six or seven), and my mother and grandmother stood outside my stall counting as I "tinkled" nearly to three digits in counting. It isn't only children that can embarrass--we learn this as parents of teens! ; )
Okay - this is precious! What great perspective you have from this......event ! ha! Parenting has been one of my greatest joys in life - I don't view it as a "sacrifice" but as an honor that God chose me to raise these little wonders.
Thanks for visiting my blog - I'm looking forward to getting to "know" you.
After I choked on my tea laughing, I thought: "How very sweet! She's imitating the person she looks up to the most..."
Kristina
Oh, that's great! One of the best kid stories I've heard in a while.
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