‘Privacy, please’
During a recent quiet evening at home, my daughter Gabrielle ran to me to deliver an urgent message, “I need to go potty!”
I grabbed her by the hand and we raced to our guest bathroom (of which she claims ownership). Then I helped her balance as she climbed on top of the step by the toilet, but before I could help her undress, she looked at me as if I were invading her personal space and simply said, “Privacy, please.”
My jaw dropped. I was filled with mixed emotions. Because my almost 3 year old looked so serious while making such a grown-up statement, I was cracking up on the inside! On the other hand, I felt snubbed, even a little unnecessary.
I’d read how important it is for preschoolers to declare and exercise their independence, so I slowly began backing out of the doorway.
“OK, but call me when you are finished, so I can wipe you,” I pleaded.
“Privacy, please,” she politely repeated.
I silently waited in the hallway. After all, she really didn’t need me to go potty, right?
As I was waiting for Gabrielle to call my name, I heard the toilet flush. I ran to the bathroom doorway. Gabrielle was trying with all her might to pull up her jeans without first pulling up her Dora the Explorer underwear, and by the look of the large wad of toilet tissue on the floor, she had also attempted to wipe herself.
“Let me check to see if you wiped properly, and let me help you with your jeans. Let me help you wash your hands . . .” I insisted and started moving towards her.
While I was making my way over the door threshold to rescue Gabrielle from a wedgy, she traveled 10 years to her teenage future and borrowed an intense gaze to accompany her loud sigh, and then reiterated, “Privacy, please.”
This cute exchange helped me realize that I no longer have a baby or a toddler. I have a little girl. I know that smothering our children stunts their development, but I must admit that it is hard to let go and let them grow. I sometimes catch myself trying to hold and cuddle her 40-pound frame like she’s the 8-pound 11-ounce baby we brought home from the hospital!
Now I understand what seasoned parents used to tell me in the mall or grocery store when they saw me and Gabrielle during her infant months.
“They grow up so fast. Enjoy every moment.”
Learn more about Rozalynn
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Photo: Gabrielle at 2 years-old | Photo by Kevin E. Felder
Rozalyn -
I love reading your posts and this one is too cute! I can’t wait to have one of these stories one day to share with family and friends. Take care!
I am right there with you. To think I was worried he’d go to college not potty trained and now, we sit back and say ah that wasn’t so bad now was it. The milestones are so fun.
Nov 13th, 2009 at 11:59 am
[...] They grow up so fast [...]