Kids have an uncanny ability to announce their urgent need for the potty at the most inopportune times—whether it’s just as you buckle them in the car, right when you settle down at a restaurant, or even as the movie begins. The absolute worst moment? When your delicious meal arrives, and you’ve just begun to relax, only to hear one of your little ones declare they can’t hold it any longer. This scenario plays out in our household more often than not, and let me tell you, it’s exhausting—especially for us stay-at-home moms who navigate the public restroom chaos 99% of the time.
On a sunny spring afternoon, I thought it would be delightful to take my three kids out for lunch and invite my husband along for some quality family time. Just as we were settling in at our favorite sandwich shop, my youngest decided it was the perfect moment to announce to the entire restaurant, “I need to poop!” Naturally, my daughter joined in, eager to head to the restroom as well. It seemed like a fun outing for them to all visit the public restroom together, touching every surface in sight.
I glanced at my husband, who was visibly excited about his meatball sub, and raised my eyebrows at him. “You’ve got this,” I said, trying to sound confident. “It’s a piece of cake! You can manage it.”
“Alone? Can’t you come with us?” he asked, a hint of panic creeping into his voice.
With only one family bathroom available and both kids still needing assistance, I knew he’d have to take them in together. They had been bouncing in their seats, practically begging us to go, and I figured it would be better if they lost control in the restroom rather than at the table.
“It’ll be easier this way,” I reassured him, fully aware that I was lying through my teeth. But I was hungry, really hungry, and the thought of finally enjoying a meal without interruptions felt like a distant fantasy. After all, I’m the one who typically handles these outings, and my husband was about to learn firsthand what it’s like to manage a public restroom trip solo.
As I savored my lunch and engaged in light banter with my oldest, the commotion from the bathroom was hard to ignore. The noise echoed through the establishment, and I could practically hear the collective sighs from those waiting in line for their sandwiches.
After what felt like an eternity, my youngest burst out of the bathroom, looking like he’d been expelled. His pants were askew, and he was eager to share the details of his experience. “Mom, my poop was this long!” he exclaimed, arms stretched wide, making sure everyone in the vicinity heard.
A while later, my husband emerged, our daughter in tow, looking like he’d just survived a battle. “Those kids need a bath when we get home,” he declared, his expression a mix of disbelief and exhaustion.
I couldn’t help but revel in my small victory. Yes, my husband may have been thrown into the deep end of parental responsibilities, but I had finally enjoyed a meal without interruption. It was a welcome change after years of always jumping up to tend to someone else’s needs while he enjoyed his food in peace.
As parents, we cherish those little victories, and for me, this was a big win (not so much for my husband). He had always been hands-on, but this was his first solo outing with all three kids, and he quickly learned that taking them out in public can turn into a chaotic adventure.
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In summary, sometimes a little parenting win can come at the expense of your partner, and that’s perfectly okay. We all have different roles in the family, and sometimes, it’s about letting go and letting them learn—while we enjoy a well-deserved moment of peace.
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