I think today might have pushed me to my limits. Some may roll their eyes and dismiss it as just another day in the life of a parent, but I’m not like everyone else. I love my son dearly, yet there are moments when I feel overwhelmed, and I question if this is the journey I envisioned. That’s my reality, and it’s a tough one.
What Happened
Let me share what happened. My little one is clearly transitioning away from his afternoon naps, and I am not ready for this. Those precious two to three hours are my lifeline. Without them, I become irritable—just ask my partner, he’ll confirm! Lately, he only naps when our nanny is here, which feels like a cruel joke. On non-nap days, we have “quiet time,” where he must stay in his room, whether he actually sleeps or not. If he doesn’t drift off, he usually spends that time flipping through books. But sometimes, he decides to emerge from his bed and wreak havoc. Those are the afternoons I dread.
Yesterday was one of those days. When I entered his room after what was supposed to be quiet time, I was greeted by a sight that left me stunned: he was completely naked from the waist down. I could see him on the monitor, but what I didn’t anticipate was the announcement he made as I opened the door. “Mommy, I pooped on the floor! Right there, and there, and there! And I peed too!” Oh boy, my toddler had taken matters into his own hands—literally.
In an attempt to clean up his mess, he was using wipes like we do for our dog. How charming! But seriously, I was trying to maintain my composure while he laughed hysterically. This had never happened before. We were in the midst of potty training, and he had developed a knack for saving his poops for nap time.
After some negotiation, I guided him to the changing table while I cleaned him up. The chaos that followed was nothing short of a nightmare. It felt as though every time I picked up one piece of poop, another appeared. I changed the bed linens, tossed everything into the washing machine, and dragged out the carpet cleaner. I went through the motions like a zombie, probably looking like I had seen better days.
I managed to stay calm. I didn’t shout or make him feel ashamed. When he asked if I was happy, I honestly told him I was sad and reminded him that we only use the potty or a diaper. He seemed to get it, promising he wouldn’t do it again and that then I would be happy.
After the storm, I plopped down on the couch while my son was distracted by Daniel Tiger. The incident was behind us, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of trauma. I texted a friend to vent, admitting I felt like a wimp. She reassured me that I was normal and reminded me it was just poop and pee—not glitter, thankfully. I appreciated her honesty.
As I sat there, I felt like I had lost track of time. My husband arrived home to a chaotic living room, but he dove right in, cleaning up the mess. He had a calm conversation with our son and gave me a sweet kiss on the head before whisking us out for pizza and wine. By the time we returned home, I was in a much better place, playing and laughing with my son.
Reflections on Parenting
I know that for some moms, this wouldn’t be a big deal. But I’m me, and that’s okay. I realized that I had signed up for this whirlwind of parenting, and I would face tough moments along the way. Not every day will be sunshine and rainbows, and I’m still learning how to handle the hard bits. That’s the real struggle—the struggle that so many parents face!
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Summary
Parenting can often feel overwhelming, as illustrated by one mom’s experience with her son’s potty training mishap. Despite the chaos, she learns to navigate the challenges while appreciating the support of friends and family. This story highlights the reality of parenting struggles and the importance of community.