My gal transitioned into Kindergarten with ease. Day one she walked right in and sat right down. Day two she stepped into the bus without a backward glance. Day three she turned down the offer to sit with mom and sisters in the lunchroom, opting instead to stay with new friends. Day four she couldn't stop talking about the rock wall in the Gym and her Art class. Day five mom took a deep breath and exhaled a big sigh of relief. Obviously Oldest child is prepared and well adjusted, now onto girl number two.
By Monday of week three, I'm feeling confident, almost smug about my amazing mothering abilities, when suddenly lightening strikes! It began on our relaxing walk home from the bus-stop, the first "accident". We haven't seen this problem for a few months, must be too much fun at school for potty breaks. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday continue the downward spiral as the daily accidents at home continue.
By Friday the problem is occurring at school as well. On Saturday, the situation has escalated to include an accident at a new schoolmates birthday party, in a friends car on the way home from the birthday party, and at home while playing puzzles after the birthday party. By this time, poop is now involved. On top of the vexing waste elimination problem my well adjusted darling is now literally chewing her fingertips off.
Now, I'm obviously not a child development expert, but I have a suspicion that all is not well. While I would like to report that I handled the past week with poise, skill, and grace, an accurate description would include: impatience, anger, and hostility. Adding fuel to the blaze I'm sure.
What do these recent developments signify? Is she going through a normal transition, or expressing deep mental troubles? Is she being manipulative and controlling, or crying for help? Is it me, am I the problem? Maybe I'm too controlling, or too neglectful? Is it my tone of voice, my word selection, or body language? I could be blowing it out of proportion. On the other hand I may not be taking it serious enough?
What is a proper course of action? Do I address the issue promptly, or let it pass? Do I talk about it, ignore it, set consequences, or initiate yet another reward system?
While my influence over the situation is debatable, one thing is assured, Motherhood remains one of the great mysteries.
7 comments:
So sorry things have taken a downward spiral in the potty department, lady. Man, what is it about going potty in their pants that is so seductive?
Well, I got nothing. No answers here. You might not want to hear this . . . but all I can do for answers in these situations that seems to work is pray and fast. A lot. Until I get an answer. Sometimes it takes months. Darn it. Not what you were looking for? Just ignore this comment then and know that I'm thinking of you and love you.
Uhhhh, maybe when your gone running your marathon Megan will fix the problem. ;-) I wish I could help. Maybe a girls night out this week would help, at least it would give you a break. David is going fishing tomorrow after work, so I'm sure he would be okay with it. I think he owes me about 172 days off now, but I'm not counting, that wouldn't be kind. oh, who are we kidding, I'm so keeping track. jk Hang in there.
I just have to say that I'm glad we have these blogs because we can keep up on what's going on in our lives, even when we don't get a chance to catch up in person. I'm sorry to hear that this is happening. On the lighter side of things (since I have nothing else to offer!), I was thinking that you'll become the potty issues expert after all this and will be able to help other parents in the future. Oh, and I think you're due for an all day spa experience. Well, you know your friends are thinking of you and are always there to listen and/or make yummy cookies (Amy can make them and I'll help eat them!).
Thank you Kathleen,
that is the best advice ever!
love you
I really wish I hadn't read this. An already scared mom is really scared now. When filling out Ethan's Kindergarten sheet, I had to inform his teacher that he will probably have at least one accident this year. And once accidents start, agggg!!! Poor mommies, what are we to do?
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