Bathroom Independence

I never thought small things like what my children do in the bathroom would ever affect me the way they do. When we switched from diapers to underwear, I wanted to cry. Sure, I still have one in diapers, so it's not like I have to sell or give away my precious cloth, but it's one of those bittersweet milestones.

The double standards of privacy for my three year old makes me laugh too. I can't tell you the last time I've been able to soak in a bath alone. Going to the bathroom without banging on the door or little eyes staring at me is a thing of the past. And yet, she insists on having her privacy.

A year ago, it went both ways. I would have loved my privacy, but knew it wouldn't happen. At the same time, I was in there with her because she needed Mommy to help. Now I'm not allowed in. Yesterday while at the store, she wouldn't even let me in the stall. She told me I could go get my own or wait for her to be done. Of course, I waited right outside her stall, and was fine until we got home.

Then we got up to the sinks. Wouldn't you know it was one of the stores with the lower sink for handicapped people? And it was just the right size for her. Whoever designed it didn't have the foresight to realize somebody in a wheelchair that needs a lower sink will probably also need the soap lower, but even with the soap being high, all I was allowed to do was push the button so the soap could fall into my little girl's hand. I swear a piece of my heart got washed down the drain with the used soap.

We got home and she wouldn't go to bed, so my husband let her stay up and watch a movie. (That's a big girl privilege.) I went to take a shower, and I bet you can't guess who joined me. The little girl who was terrified of the shower such a short time ago jumped in, carefully got her hair wet, washed own body and hair, and rinsed herself. Mommy wasn't allowed to touch her. Then she threw a fit when Daddy tried to help her brush her teeth. My heart swelled with pride and broke knowing she's learning to make her own way in the world.