I always thought that pooping was like riding a bike—once you learned how, you had it down for life. However, parenting has proven that this isn’t always the case. Our 4-year-old has faced some unexpected challenges.
One evening, I found myself enjoying a rare moment of solitude on the toilet, scrolling through my phone for a little escape. It was my sanctuary, a mini spa where I could forget the chaos of parenting for a few fleeting moments. Suddenly, I stumbled upon a post from my younger sister, humorously lamenting about cleaning poop from the tub. I couldn’t help but chime in, “Oh my god, that’s so gross!” Moments later, other family members joined in, sharing their own experiences. Realizing I might be tempting fate, I quickly added a more thoughtful comment, feigning sympathy by saying, “Oh, that’s unfortunate. We’ve been lucky so far.” Little did I know, karma had other plans.
A few minutes later, chaos erupted. “Jake! Oh no… Jake!” my wife yelled from upstairs. Our son had an accident—in the tub! Just when I thought we had dodged that bullet. It’s a rite of passage for many parents, extracting a floating turd from the water, and even though I kept my composure, inside I was a whirlwind of horror.
After this incident, we mistakenly believed we had learned our lesson. Days went by without our son making a “poop family” in the potty—a term he coined for when it happens in stages. We encouraged him to try, but he became fearful. Despite our coaxing and rewards (chocolate, of course), he resisted, leading to painful bouts of constipation. In a moment of desperation, I thought a warm bath might relax him. Little did I expect that our 4-year-old, who is the size of an average 7-year-old, would unleash a monumental mess reminiscent of an adult after a heavy meal. The splashes and tears of that fateful bath were a clear sign that karma had come full circle.
In our modern family dynamic, my responsibilities as a father extend far beyond traditional roles. However, there are some challenges that only a mother can tackle. When it’s been a few days since our son last went, my wife steps in as the calming guide he needs. They retreat to the bathroom, where she skillfully addresses his fears, offering reassurance and support. Armed with cold compresses and a soothing voice, she lights candles and creates an atmosphere of tranquility. Eventually, he trusts her, and with their hands clasped, she helps him find the courage to do what his body naturally needs to accomplish.
Through all this, my wife has unwittingly become a poop doula—a nurturing presence motivated by love. For more on family support during parenting, check out this resource on pregnancy that offers excellent information. And if you’re interested in home insemination, visit Intracervical Insemination for insightful articles. For those considering the journey of parenthood, Make a Mom offers invaluable tools and knowledge.
In the end, parenting is a journey filled with unexpected twists, and sometimes you just have to embrace the mess.