As I reached for the bathroom door only to find it locked (with my 2-and-a-half-year-old IN IT), I had visions of calling 911, sheepishly having to explain the situation. I tried coaxing my son to unlock the door because, by golly, if he locked it, surely he could unlock it, right?! WRONG. Instead of continuing to coax my son, I figured my energy was better placed in coaxing myself to remain calm. Our son’s not only being able to reach, but actually WORK, the locks in our house is definitely a milestone that makes me go “Ugh!”
What other milestones make you go “Ugh!”?
Independence:
Maybe your child is in the midst of an “independence” phase (wanting and NEEDING to do things for himself). While this is an important step in little ones’ development, it can be cause for frustration and sometimes even embarrassment. Olathe mom Sarah W. is able to keep a sense of humor about her 2-year-old daughter’s “nudist exhibitions.” She says, “Ever since she has been able to change her own clothes, she does it. Anywhere and everywhere, the girl is naked. The neighbors expect it, and I am used to the awkward moments when she moons someone while I am paying at Target. She is little, she doesn’t get it and I will take these embarrassing moments one bare bottom at a time!”
Toileting/Potty Training:
As a mom, I hear so many groans (and am guilty of it myself) when the topic of potty training or toileting young children comes up. For some, it is easy, stress free and quick. For others, it is challenging, frustrating and time consuming…and sometimes downright messy! “Two or three of our daughters went through a phase around 18 months, once they figured out how to take off their diapers. If they happened to have a poopy one during naptime, instead of calling for Mom, they took their diaper off and usually got poop all over the crib, wall, stuffed animals and anything else that was in range,” says Anne, an Overland Park mom.
Sleeping:
Just when you think you can get back to your “old” sleeping habits, you realize your child is ready to transition to a toddler bed or give up a comfort object—and suddenly you are right back to having a “newborn.” Sarah L. of Overland Park says, “The milestone I swear might kill me right now? The transition to the big girl bed! My once awesome sleeper now suddenly struggles with napping and somehow transformed into both a night owl and a super early riser all at the same time. She also feels free to make a bedside appearance at all hours to announce her awakeness! Ugh!!!!!”
Similarly, Ashley says, “Taking the pacifier away is definitely a milestone that makes me go ugh! This is mainly because I know sleep will be a struggle after taking it away. Anything that messes with sleep makes me go ugh!”
Oversharing/TMI:
From repeating “adult” words and phrases to commenting loudly on other people in public, this milestone can be downright embarrassing in the moment. However, grab a pen and paper anyway to record it, as you’ll hopefully look back later and laugh. “My daughter picks up on everything right now and feels it necessary to share our conversations with others. She will say, ‘We woke up today and Mommy couldn’t play with me until she had her coffee, and then Mommy had to pick up after Daddy because he made a mess.’ It can be so embarrassing!” says Overland Park mom Jess. “I really need to watch what I am saying or doing because everyone ends up hearing about it!”
Wondering whether my son is still locked in the bathroom?! Rest assured I was able to release him to freedom, along with the breath I think I was holding! All was right again with the world, and he was no worse for wear. If you find yourself in the midst of—or dreading—milestones, keep in mind they are typically short term. And chances are you’ll eventually look back with a sigh of relief that everyone survived…and maybe even do so with a smile on your face!
Julie Collett writes from her Overland Park home, where she has experienced a few “Ugh!” milestones with her two children and is sure of more to come!