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Sarah is trying to potty train her daughter; but it's not as you'd think |
| It was late afternoon when Sarah walked into the living room and found her daughter, Lily, sitting quietly on the floor, her eyes downcast. She hadn’t said anything, but Sarah could see the unmistakable signs: a small puddle on the carpet near her, and Lily’s favorite stuffed bunny clutched tightly to her chest. “Lily,” Sarah said softly, kneeling beside her. “What happened, sweetheart?” Lily bit her lip, glancing up at her mom with a mixture of guilt and embarrassment. “I tried, Mommy... but I couldn’t do it,” she whispered, her voice small. Sarah’s heart ached as she gently brushed the hair from Lily’s face. She had been working so hard to help Lily use the potty. There had been some success—Lily had even used the toilet a few times—but it was clear that today wasn’t one of those days. Sarah’s mind raced, searching for the right words, trying to reassure her daughter that this was all part of the process. “It’s okay, sweety,” Sarah said softly, her voice full of tenderness. “You’re not the only one. Potty training is really hard. And sometimes we all have accidents, and that’s okay. You’re still learning.” Lily’s lip trembled, and she looked down at her dripping pull up and the damp spot on the carpet. “I’m not a big girl.” Sarah’s heart sank. She could hear the shame in Lily’s voice, and it made her want to wrap her up and protect her from all the challenges of growing up. She knew Lily was eager to be independent, to be like the “big kids” she saw at school and in the neighborhood. But potty training was a journey, one full of setbacks and unexpected moments. “I know, sweetie,” Sarah said gently. “You’re my baby. I'll take care of you, and I’m so proud of you. We can’t expect everything to happen overnight.” Lily looked up at her mom, her wide eyes full of uncertainty. “But I wanted to be like the other kids...” Sarah smiled, her heart heavy. She leaned in and gave Lily a warm hug. “You *are* like them, Lily. It’s just that everyone learns at their own pace. You’re doing great, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now.” Lily sniffled, but Sarah could feel her starting to relax a little. As much as Sarah hated to see her daughter struggle, she knew that the road to potty training wasn’t a straight path. There would be days of success and days of setbacks, and it was her job to help guide Lily through all of it—without shame, without rushing, just with patience and love. “Okay, sweetie,” Sarah said, pulling back from the hug. “Let’s get you cleaned up, and then we’ll get you back in a comfy, fresh diaper. You can try again in a few days, okay?” Lily nodded, a small, reluctant smile forming on her lips. “Okay, Mommy.” As Sarah helped her daughter to the the changing table in her bedroom.. Lily was only 16 yrs old and she didn't want to pressure her baby. When the diaper was back on, Sarah sat down next to Lily, pulling her onto her lap. “You’re still my brave, baby,” she said, kissing the top of her head. “And you will get there. We’ll just take it one step at a time.” Lily leaned against her mom, feeling comforted by the familiar warmth of Sarah’s embrace. “Can I keep my diapers? I don't like accidents and I wanna be comfy.” Sarah said, smiling down at her daughter. “Sure, sweety. We don't have to rush. You can stay in them as long as you want, until you want to try again.” And as they sat together, Sarah realized that potty training wasn’t her teenager's goal. Lily needed to feel safe, and Sarah could help her baby feel safe. As Sarah left Lily to play in her room, she went to her room to change her soggy diaper as well. 'Sometimes we all have accidents.' |
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