I can’t count how many times in the past month I’ve found myself stepping on a toy lurking near a stair, wedged in a corner, or camouflaged in the carpet. Kids have an uncanny ability to drop toys in spots that only the arch of my foot can find—it’s like a booby trap waiting to be triggered. I never anticipated that parenting would come with the added challenge of navigating a minefield of colorful plastic, especially when a stray set of Light Bright pegs lies in wait for my unsuspecting foot. Seriously, is nowhere safe?
As I maneuver through my day, I do my best to pick up those tiny hazards. I mean, I’d like to make it to 40 in one piece! But it’s a daunting task, and I can’t always rescue that little plastic cow before it gets me first. Sure, my kids help out, but their idea of cleaning up usually means relocating blankets from one couch to another instead of actually searching for the Polly Pocket accessories stacked on the stairs. When I offer sage advice like, “If you don’t grab that Lego piece, it’ll end up between your toes,” they just share a knowing glance and burst into laughter. Clearly, the only person this happens to is me!
On those rare occasions when my kids do step on their toys—and it does happen—there are a million things I want to say to them. Here are ten of those thoughts:
- Told you so!
- Ouch! That must sting!
- Woot! Woot! (Complete with an impromptu victory dance).
- Ha! Take that!
- Neener neener neeeeener!
- Wow, this is a tough moment for you.
- I deal with this at least six or seven times a week—just shake it off!
- Yikes! That’s GOT to hurt.
- Toughen up, champ!
- Seriously, that wasn’t even hidden in the carpet. You could have dodged that one!
But of course, I don’t voice any of these thoughts. Instead, I empathize, because who could understand their pain better than the mom who experiences it almost daily? I know exactly what it feels like to have my foot ambushed by a metal Dusty Crophopper. It’s no fun! So I hold them close, rub their sore feet, wipe away their tears, and help them put the offending toy away—all while in my head, I’m thinking: Neener neener neeeeener. Just another day as a loving parent, right?
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In summary, stepping on toys is a common rite of passage in parenting, filled with pain, laughter, and a dash of irony. While the urge to gloat is strong, compassion reigns supreme as we navigate these small but mighty obstacles together.