Kids always seem to need a bathroom break at the worst possible moments — right after you buckle them into the car, just as you’re about to step out, or as soon as the movie starts. The absolute worst is when you’re at a restaurant, finally enjoying a meal someone else prepared while you sit back and relax. This scenario plays out in our family more often than I care to admit, and it’s particularly taxing for moms who tackle these bathroom runs solo 99% of the time.
One lovely spring afternoon, I decided to take my three kids out for lunch and thought it would be nice if my partner, Mike, could join us. Just as we settled into our seats at the local sandwich shop, my youngest piped up loudly enough for the entire restaurant to hear, “I have to go poop!” Of course, my daughter felt the urge too. Apparently, they thought it would be fun to invade the public restroom together—nothing like sharing germs, right?
I turned to Mike, who was clearly excited about his meatball sub. Raising my eyebrows, I said, “You’ve got this. It’s no big deal. You can handle it.”
“Alone? Can’t you come with me?” He looked genuinely worried.
With only one family bathroom available, he would need to take both kids at once, and given their urgency, it was better for them to go in there than create a mess at our table. “It’ll be easier this way,” I assured him, lying through my teeth. But I was starving and ready to enjoy my meal without interruptions for once. After spending years taking the kids out alone, I was an expert at public bathroom excursions. Mike, however, was still a rookie.
I relished my lunch and engaged in light chatter with my oldest, while the sounds of banging and chaos emerged from the restroom—much to the amusement of everyone waiting in line.
After what felt like an eternity, my youngest burst out of the bathroom, looking like he had just been ejected. Pants askew and a huge grin on his face, he exclaimed, “Mom, my poop was this long!” I couldn’t help but laugh, knowing everyone else in the restaurant heard his proclamation.
Finally, Mike emerged with our daughter, who seemed much more relaxed. He looked like he’d just had a rough day at work and muttered, “Those kids need a bath when we get home.” I could see he was still processing the bathroom adventure.
While it wasn’t the first time he had taken them to the bathroom, he had always had me there to help manage the chaos. Sure, he’s changed diapers and cleaned up after them, but I typically handle the bulk of it. I often felt that I could manage it all, while he focused on work.
Maybe I should have offered to help, but I stayed put because it was the first time in over six years that I enjoyed a meal without interruption. It felt bittersweet but necessary. I realized I was starting to feel resentful about always jumping up to cater to the kids while he enjoyed his meal. It was time for a shift. I wanted to relish my meal too, at least occasionally.
As parents, we look for those small victories in our daily lives. This was a significant win for me, even if it wasn’t for Mike. I was able to enjoy my lunch, making it a good day overall. While he’s always been a hands-on dad, he had never taken all three kids out by himself, and now he experienced the real chaos of managing them in a public restroom. That day, he learned that taking the kids out can quickly turn into a wild adventure.
If you found this article relatable, check out our other post on terms and conditions for more insights into parenting. For those looking for resources on pregnancy and home insemination, this guide from WebMD is excellent. And if you’re interested in home insemination kits, make sure to visit this trusted source for more information.
Summary
This blog discusses a humorous yet relatable parenting moment where a mother enjoys a quiet meal while her partner faces the chaos of taking their kids to the restroom. It highlights the importance of shared parenting experiences and the small victories that come with them.