We all want our families to be great teams – ones that can both work hard and play hard together to achieve common goals.
At my house, we’re in everything together, and we give it our best to collectively handle whatever is thrown our way.
But, sometimes my kids take this thinking a bit too literally. Whatever I do, wherever I go, I have two little shadows behind me. Yes, I enjoy their company, but there are a few things I would prefer to do on my own. While I have explained the concept of privacy to my children, they certainly don’t see it as a priority or a necessity. To them, it’s quite straightforward; even mundane tasks prove to be more fun and entertaining when we are all together.
And, it just so happens, my boys enjoy being in the bathroom more than anywhere else in the house. I think it’s the indoor water park that attracts them. They love to take baths, wash their hands a million times, and flush the toilet over and over. They like showing off in the water so much, it’s kind of like having a front row seat in the splash zone at SeaWorld.
If you’re a boy, it’s apparent there is not much in life more exciting than water; so between them singing on the toilet, and swimming in the tub, it’s often hard for me to get them out of their favorite place.
I’ll acknowledge, kids probably think that because we are present when they are in the bathroom, it’s for our pure entertainment (not of course because they need help and 24/7 monitoring). So obviously, we should provide them the same courtesy.
Yes, as a parent, there really is no “you time” anymore; it’s all about us time now. And call me crazy, but there are still a few things I like to do on my own. So, I now try to get in and out of the shower as fast as possible before my location can be detected. Because once I’ve been discovered, it’s sure to draw a crowd. My kids are always peeping around the curtain (just to make sure I’m really in there), or even trying to climb in right along with me.
“What are you doing, mommy?” What does it look like I’m doing? “You taking a shower, mommy?” What else would I possibly be doing in here? “What are you taking a shower for?” Apparently, my personal hygiene talks have been all for naught.
And then there are the times I sneak away, only to be reported as missing in action. “Oh, here you are mommy. You are going to the bathroom. I was wondering where you were!” Yes, apparently I was greatly missed in my three-minute-absence.
All I can say is, we are obviously are a tight-knit team. And as much as I love each and every minute we get to spend together, I just wish my boys would realize, even the best of teams need to establish a little locker room etiquette.
