At three years old my son still depends on me for a lot of things–fixing his bike, tying his shoes, wiping his boogers off his face, accompanying him to the bathroom. Wait, scratch that last one.
His usual morning routine consists of a morning piss and a morning dump, often at separate times. He just lets me know when he has to “go” then he waits for me to get up and take him to the bathroom. I guess today something clicked and he realized he can do this on his own. Here’s what went down today after he woke up and was ready to “go”. Squirt: “Dad, I have to go pee-pee!” Me: “Okay, let’s go.” Squirt: “NO, don’t follow me.”He stops me dead in my tracks by straight arming me with both arms.
Me: “But I need to help you.” Squirt: “NOOO, don’t follow me.”He straight arms me again.
Me: “But.” Squirt: (almost angry now) “DON’T FOLLOW ME.” Me: “Well, let me open the door for you.” Squirt: “Don’t follow me dad.”He points a stern finger at me and holds his stare to see if I will challenge him again.
Me: “Fine, go then.” He turns, runs down the hallway, opens my bedroom door and closes it behind him. I hear the door to our master bath open and then immediately close again. I give him a minute or two then I see him emerge from my bedroom and close the door behind him. He comes running back down the hallway with a smile on his face and goes straight for his bicycle. Me: “Did you wash your hands?” Squirt: “Yes dad.” I love mornings with my son.
