Little children are wonderful at doing many things. They’re experts at finding joy in life’s little moments. They are authentic and honest. And they are masters of being curious. Of course, sometimes a child’s honesty and curiosity leads to some sticky (and often hilarious) situations! We partnered with Sparkle® paper towels to bring you some of the most universally messy situations of parenthood. Do you recognize any of them?
Potty Talk
The first rule of Fight Club is you do not talk about Fight Club. And the first rule of public bathrooms is that you don’t talk about what’s going on in the public bathroom. But little kids don’t know this rule. They want to talk about what they’ve seen and done and heard. They want to talk about what you are doing. And what the lady next to you is doing too. Sometimes, all you can do is laugh and exit quickly!
Accidental Expletives
Frog. Fox. Fork. All perfectly harmless until they come out of the mouth of a toddler who can’t enunciate well. And what may be cute at home is less adorable when hollered in public. Or is it? Make sure you capture it on video when you can because -- before you know it -- a “fork” will only be a “fork” and a “frog” just a frog.”
The Truth, The Whole Truth, And Nothing But The Truth
We teach our children to tell the truth, so it makes sense that they want to correct us if they catch us fibbing: “Why did you tell grandma that we weren’t going to be home this afternoon when she said she was going to stop by? We’re home!”
Time to Eat
Your breastfed baby is hungry but too young to talk. Without any words, how can she let you know what she wants? Well, why not just show you and everyone around you by lifting your shirt up as high as possible? If you were at Mardi Gras, someone would throw beads.
Celebrity Sightings
You might be at the mall. You might be at the park. You might be on the street. Your kiddo sees a man with a white beard and rosy cheeks and screams, “It’s Santa! Hi, Santa!” Of course, it’s not Santa. It’s just a man with a white beard. Often, the best thing to do is just smile and wish the man a happy holidays. Even if it’s summer.
Lukewarm Reactions to Gifts
Whether they tell the gift giver that they already have what they were given, come out and say they don’t like it, or do a combination of both (“I already have it, and I don’t like it”), honesty is not always the best policy. You’re going to want to write a very nice thank-you note.
Lukewarm Reactions to People
What’s worse than a just meh reaction to a present? A just meh reaction to a person. We’re talking about that awkward moment when a relative goes to great lengths to see your child and your little darling greets the family member with as much enthusiasm as a plate of their least favorite vegetable. Time for you to overcompensate with a great big hug of your own!
Spilling Family Secrets
Unlike celebrities, most of us don’t have to worry that our child is going to write a tell-all memoir about us one day. But, we do have to worry about her spilling the beans when she’s little: “Mommy puts whipped cream on the top of her lip because she doesn’t want to have a mustache like Daddy does.”
Not Peeing in the Potty
It’s awkward when you’re at the pool and your child yells that they “need to go pee pee.” It’s even more awkward– a few moments later – when they scream out, “Never mind! I just went!” Oh! The places they’ll go!
Destruction of Property
When you go camping, you’re supposed to leave your campsite as you found it. And when you visit a friend or loved one’s home, you’re expected to also leave it as you found it when it’s time to go. There should be a Hallmark card for “Sorry my son drew all over your white sofa.”
What about you? What are some of the stickiest situations you’ve had since becoming a parent?
It’s a messy world out there™. Some things you can just laugh at and some things, you’ll want to clean right up. Thankfully, Sparkle paper towels are just right for life’s everyday little messes.