As you know, I try to hold on to a shred or two of dignity. I’m not claiming it works all the time, but my self-image is of a woman with a fair amount of well-behavedness.
But as you may recall, I also have a grandtoddler. And therein lies an ever developing tale, as I am reminded – daily – of the ways in which children develop, and what is required of parents and grandparents.
Why did no-one remind me of the small undignified acts required of a good grandmother? Take the matter of poo-ing.
A very private matter, as you well know. Most people pretend we don’t do it, and they definitely don’t talk about it. So pooing is not the kind of thing one invites others to partake in.
Unless you’re a toddler.
I have lost count of the many times in recent weeks I have been invited to “poo” alongside The GrandToddler. Worse, sometimes I have to pretend that I am actually doing so.
The first time she asked, I sat on the floor beside her, at a complete loss. But you should have seen the sweet, innocent little face, looking up to mine as if this was the most natural thing to ask her grandmother.
So what was I to do?
I felt embarrassed, and my first efforts didn’t impress her at all. In fact, each time, she regarded me as if to say: “Is this the best you can do?” I could see she was running out of patience.
Nothing worked till I came up with an exaggerated version of a bear lumbering toward her then stopping suddenly to stoop and poo in the woods.
That did it. She laughed, happy as all get-out.
But you see my dilemma. Today it’s the pooing thing. Tomorrow? Who knows?
As you can guess (indignities aside), I am fully enjoying the experience of grandparenting. I understand that besotted look on other grandparents’ faces, the giggles that sometimes burst out as they describe the little ones’ antics.
But no-one warned me about the pooing part. What else are my parent and grandparent friends hiding from me, I wonder?
Cynthia Reyes 
😂
Sent from my iPhone
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Dignity and grandparenting definitely don’t go together!
Thanks like you are doing poo-tiful job (pun intended). Keep up the good work.
I mean seems like you are doing a beautiful (which was what poot-iful was supposed to mean. Have no idea where thanks came from. 😉 Typos uber alles.
I got you, sister!
😉
A grand mother love has not any limits, Cynthia . 🙂
Love ❤
Michel
As Art Linkletter used to say, “Kids say the dardnest things!”
Hints of Winnie the Pooh bear. Nice to read how engaging the role of being a grandmother is.
Thank you, Donna. It’s a different experience and I’m aware that time passes swiftly, so must be enjoyed. A day will come when friends are more important than grandma.
Too funny! We are expecting our first grandchild in August. It is a boy coming into an all-girl family. I’m not sure what to expect.
That should be interesting! Congrats to your family. I am happy for you all. Do share on your blog the news of his arrival, okay?
Love this and I had completely forgotten how undignified they can make you feel! Enjoy the ride my friend, it’s the best feeling ever!
Thanks, Gail! A discovery a day.
Could there be a book in that?
Haha. So many children’s book ideas come to mind as I hang out with The GrandToddler. Problem is time.
🙂
Oh, this made me smile! Obviously, poo is an important issue for her right now.
I think I probably talk about poop more publicly than most adults, but pretending to poo next to a pooping toddler is a bit much even for me! Your story made me laugh though!
She sounds such a sweetie pie ❤️❤️
Children bring out so many wonderful (and absurd) things in us, don’t they? That was pretty clever, Cynthia — the bear in the woods. Maybe Ms. Bear will be handy as another needed analogy in the future. 🙂
Oh I love it! The pure, innocent love of your grandbaby wanting to share in her experiences. Delighted for you to be able to be able to enjoy her so!
Im smiling while reading this rendition and yes children are imaginative, resilient and amazing.
Good job, Cynthia. My grandsons were more interested in seeing a bear poo in the woods. May be the difference between granddaughters and grandsons. 🙂 –Curt
You’ve made even this into something beautifully well-said, Cynthia:0)). I can feel your happiness:0)).
What a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing it!
Such delight, enjoy! 😀
Grandmas are the best. They are just unconditional love wrapped up in a package that includes enveloping arms. Enjoy this phase even if it includes poo time with your grantoddler
This story brought a good laugh! Yes, those little ones ask all kinds of questions, and expect answers, sometimes action! 🙂
Thanks so much for the laugh! I bet you did a super job …
No self-respecting bear would agree with you, but thank you!
Awww oddly this is super sweet!! Never thought I would say that about pooing 🤣