We made out way out of the theater, the sunshine beaming down was a welcome change from yesterday’s rain. We had just spent seven hours at Day 2 of Wren’s dance competition. Arnauld had left ahead of us, since we had two cars, to pick up our dog and grab the girls pizza for dinner. We should have been about ten minutes behind him…
The girls and I made our way up the winding path of the parking garage. I was trying to corral the girls away from all the other dance families already in their cars trying to vacate the premises, while also balancing my bag, packed with water bottles, snacks, and activities for the younger girls. I also had one of Wren’s bags slung over my shoulder, as I pulled her wheeling duffle bag behind me. Finally, our car was in sight, one step closer to home. That’s when Adi announced, “I also have to go to the bathroom.” I stopped dead in my tracks. I looked at her.
“Can you wait until we get home?” I asked, knowing we had an hour drive ahead of us.
Adi just laughed and said, “No.”
Teetering between the car and the theater, I quickly decided to get all of the bags into the car and then head back to the theater and the bathroom. When I communicated the plan to the girls, Wren protested. That’s when the bickering began. I tried to remain calm. Going to the bathroom now would avoid unnecessary drama on the ride home.
I unloaded the bags and we turned right back around. As we passed dance friends we knew coming up the stairs, they inquired why we were going back in the direction we had just come from. Wren was berating Adi for the inconvenience. “I forgot to ask if anyone needed to go to the bathroom before we left,” I said, taking the blame (it’s kind of inevitable that everything is my fault these days anyway).
When we got back into the theater, I made sure to ask if anyone else needed to also use the restroom while we were there. Rose obliged saying that she would try. Wren just scoffed and found a spot to wait for us.
As I held the bathroom door open for Adi and Rose as they finished drying their hands, I motioned for Wren to join us. “Take two…” I said as we headed for the car.
Where There Is Joy 
Ugh. I can feel your frustration and Wren’s. I hope you made it home with no more stops!
LikeLike
Oh, my. I’m impressed you kept your calm. The description in the second paragraph of all the things you are trying to wrangle is excellent. You use “also” several times & by the time Adi says it, I had to laugh. Then, the bickering… I really hope that you had a calm ride home!
LikeLike
It was dicey to start. Lots of arguing. But then they all fell asleep!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You do such a fantastic job of conveying the struggle of keeping the parenting process as smooth as possible. This slice reminds me of a skiing trip we took Michael on when he was little. First packing, then traveling, then rentals and lesson arrangements. Finally the final bundling up and slogging of gear to the slopes on time for the lesson only to hear, “I have to go to the bathroom!” All I can do is laugh knowing that these days are over for me and this too will pass for you. Someday you may even miss the chaos but NOT in the moment! I hope you have many friends with children and lots of glasses of wine to make each other laugh as you commiserate! :)
LikeLike
I cringed when Adi announced she had to go to the bathroom. I think all moms have been there, juggling 10 bags and trying to hurry home. The way you took the blame made me laugh, too. I’m glad you made it out with only two takes and that they soon fell asleep in the car!
LikeLike
Oh, I remember those mom juggling days so well. You kept your cool and negotiated the tricky landscape well!
LikeLike
I could feel the tension building in the first part of this, wondering what would be happening at the climax. Then, I must admit I smiled in solidarity when I realized that instead of a lost car or lost child, it was the dreaded bathroom retreat! We have all been there, but you handled it masterfully.
LikeLike
Oh, yes! I remember those days. You seem to have flowed well with it. Perhaps having the attitude “it’s kind of inevitable that everything is my fault these days anyway” gives you the power. Your post reminded me of my younger daughter who seemed to only go to the bathroom when she HAD to go. So in this situation, when Rose obliged and tried. My daughter would have said, “No, I’m good.” But halfway home she might HAVE to go now.
LikeLike
You handled this trying situation with grace since you had so much to juggle. I know the feeling that somehow mom is the one who has to take the blame. Ouch! You should receive a crown instead.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The description of the interactions among the girls is vivid and the tension of their interactions palpable through your verb use: “protested, bickering, berated”. And, as others have said, this is a lesson in calm parenting. Great writing and a wonderful message!
LikeLike
I can totally relate to thsi!
This happens way too often. In fact, it happened before I left for my son’s baseball practice this afternoon since he claimed he already went. Thankfully, he reconsidered when I said, “I really don’t want you to find a bathroom for you.”
Luckily, he is one of the few kids who hasn’t visited the portopotty since we’ve been out here. (Thank goodness… those are so gross!)
LikeLike
Your patience shines through. I love how Rose stood there until asked, and then obliged…kids! Hopefully the drive home was less dramatic. :)
LikeLiked by 1 person