Lately I've tried to really enjoy being a mom, instead of just surviving it. Everyone says, "You'll miss this stage of life when it's over."
Well, crap! I want to enjoy it while I'm in it - not look back at it and think, "Sheesh, that was hell. I wish I'd loved it then!"
So I've decided to love it now, even if it totally blows.
Like this morning, I decided that it was high time to teach Drew to wipe his own butt. It's so much easier to just do it myself so I don't have to worry about any poo-on-finger fiascoes. And the kid always has to poop right in the middle of dinner. He jumps up from his chair and runs to the bathroom. About forty seconds later he yells, "Moooooom? I need a wipe!!"
So inconvenient. And not good for the appetite. Especially on nights when we're having homemade split pea soup.
So inconvenient. And not good for the appetite. Especially on nights when we're having homemade split pea soup.
And this system - he poops, I wipe - is hardly doing Drew any favors. At the rate we're going he's going to need a bathroom aid when he goes to kindergarten. So today when he yelled about needing a wipe, I forced myself to keep my hands in my pockets while he got the toilet paper himself, wadded it into an appropriate shape for a tiny butt, and did the reach around. Then I guided him. Simple. I'm pretty sure he'll be able to tackle the wiping on his own now.
And did I love this part of parenting? You bet I did! It was super fun!
We bonded.
Whenever I have to potty train a kid, I always have the same thought: I hope they'll never have to return the favor.
ReplyDelete:D
This is straight from my brain! I will follow your lead this summer & erase 'butt wiper' from my list of credentials.
ReplyDeleteYep, you've inspired me to give wipe teaching the old college try with the boys. *shudder* okay, maybe next month. ;)
ReplyDeleteI so don't miss the butt wiping. However, it brings a tear to my eye to recall the piercing scream "Come wipe me!!!!!!!"
ReplyDeleteI'm going through that same lesson with Piper right now. She starts preschool in August and I want her to be able to handle her own business if she has to go potty at school. Half the time she'll sit there and refuse to wipe and the other half, she'll cry. Fun times.
ReplyDeleteD1 is learning to poop and wipe on her own. Prior to that though, we made sure she learned how to wash her own hands. My wife and I thought we were SO clever. Only problem is, the soap is out of her reach in the bathroom she likes to do her duty in...CRAP. Literally.
ReplyDeleteI tried to teach Dee how to wipe his, but somehow he always forgets when dad is around and hollers to wiped ONLY by Daddy. And he does it! I guess that's their little bonding moment.
ReplyDeleteI need to take a hint from you about enjoying the moment and not enduring.