Dealing With Messy Situations

by Teresa McEntire | More from this Blogger

I think that every parent to be should attend a training course on how to deal with and clean up messes. My children have definitely created some fine messes in their day. Read on to see if you relate and for some tips on how to deal with messy situations. But beware some do deal with bodily functions.

From the start it seems that my son was destined to be a mess maker, as he proceeded to pee and throw up in a variety of situations. The worst was the time when I was leaning over changing him, he let lose, and I ended up with a mouthful of urine. Followed by the time I was holding him over my head and talking to him and he threw up. The throw up landed of course, in my mouth. I learned early on to keep my mouth shut.

Another chart topping experience involves my youngest daughter Kelsey. My husband was home with her at the time. He put her down for a nap and thought all was fine. About a half an hour later she started crying.

He opened the door and then immediately wished he hadn't. She had somehow managed to get her diaper off, while wearing an onesie, and was covered in poop from head to toe. It was smeared all over the wall and her crib as well.

He knew he had to be responsible and being the only parent home squared his shoulders, took a deep breath, almost gagged from the smell, and went to work. He ran some bath water then wore rubber gloves as he washed her, because "there was no way he was touching that poop." He cleaned all the hard surfaces and left the bedding for me. We still don't know how she managed to get her diaper off.

A few months ago when I came downstairs a fine powder of dust coated the floor and my two girls. It looked like a light snow had fallen while I was showering. My girls were busy measuring out flour and sugar "making cookies". I informed them that they could only make cookies with Mommy's help. I changed their clothes and sent them upstairs to play, while Mommy swept the snow away.

Through these and other experiences I have learned a few simple rules when it comes to messes.

1. Take a deep breath. Before you yell at your kids pause and take a breath.
2. Stay calm. Don't overreact. There are very few messes your kids can create that can't be cleaned up or grown back.
3. Find the humor. Wait until your kids are gone and then laugh. If you can see the humor in the situation it will make you feel better.
4. Great memory. Messy situations make for great memories. My kids love to hear about the messy things they have done.

I would love to hear about some of the messy situations your kids have created.

Learn more about Teresa McEntire

Teresa McEntire grew up in Utah the oldest of four children. She currently lives in Kuna, Idaho, near Boise. She and her husband Gene have been married for almost ten years.

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