I've never been one to be afraid of public toilets. When you gotta go as much as me, you can't be picky. TMI??
But the fear that so many people speak of became a reality today.
We're deep in that fun time in a toddler's life, that time in a parent's life that is potentially one of the most stressful/frustrating/encouraging/joyful times. Potty training. We're on about day 4 I think, and KNOCK ON WOOD, there have been NO accidents yet today. Although we're potentially annoying him and bordering making him insane, we're asking every few minutes if he needs to go. He usually says no and prefers to do it all by himself, with no recognition until after the fact when we're all supposed to jump up and down and clap and other crazy shenanigans...the kid thrives on praise. And candy.
Today I needed to get something to FedEx so even though I was stressed way more than I should have been, we packed changes of clothes and extra undies and away we went. Of course he said he had to pee right when we got there. So we went in and I put paper on the seat. Then as soon as he started to try to get up there all the paper fell off...first gross moment. Then I decided we'd just go with it. I'm really not a germophobe but this was making me a little nervous. Then we realized he usually holds the toilet seat at home. Oh. My. Gosh. Those little hands wrapped around a thing that who knows how many people have sat on. In my mind I was freaking out but I was trying really hard not to freak him out and traumatize him. So I just asked him to be still and not move his hands. Shouldn't have said that. He immediately started moving them up and down the seat....like he was trying to soak up every stinkin germ and grossness that was living on that toilet seat. "It's ok" I told myself... that's what soap and water is for. We pushed onward.
After sitting a few minutes he says "done." He didn't have to pee. SERIOUSLY??? Can we give Mom a heart attack for no reason please? Whatever, we had to wash hands then. I have never scrubbed those little hands so much. He was looking at me I like "who are you and I want my not crazy mom back please." Then we dried our hands...and the sweet little OCD boy who picks up all trash noticed rolled up toilet paper near the base of the toilet. The scene played out in slow motion. Little hands reaching down to grab it....me yelling "NOOOOOOOOO!!!"..... little face contorting into fear and confusion and sadness for being yelled at....me scooping said little face up and trying to explain why mom just freaked out on him.
Oh my. I may become a crazy person who totes the IKEA potty around in the stores with us now.
Thanks for the laugh.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that public toilets are the only place my little girl will volunteer to go potty. At home, it is a forbidden subject, never to be mentioned. Sigh.
I keep this in my purse.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.amazon.com/Ginsey-Dora-Folding-Travel-Potty/dp/B00076SKZY/ref=sr_1_4?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1359517342&sr=1-4&keywords=fold+up+potty+seat
After she uses it I wash it and then put it in a bag in my purse. I also keep flush-able wipes in my purse. They have both been a good save for Scarlet and I since we are both OCD and freaked out by public bathrooms.
Definitely what soap and water is for.. but I did do a reward system for her not touching the toilet. She has the hang out it now and will make sure to "Remind Me" lol. She doesn't want me getting any "dirty germs"