A Puddle of Piss & 5 Lessons for Adults

Have you ever carried shame in silence?

"Can I go to the bathroom?"
                                              "No, you MAY not."
I sat down.
I approached her desk again. "May I go to the bathroom?"
                                              "NO. Class ends in 10 minutes."
"May I please go to the bathroom?"
                                              "Sit Down!"
I paced in pain.
                                          "SIT DOWN!"

I was scared. I complied with her demand. I lost control.

"He wet his pants!"

                                 Laughter. Pointing.

I stood in a puddle of piss. My corduroys were wet. Shame and humiliation soaked me.

The mocking was relentless for months. The puddle of shame seeped from the 2nd grade all the way to the 5th grade. I held the pain in silence and hid it from others in a dank space.

I wish I would have stood up for myself and walked out of the classroom.

I also wish that someone could have helped me understand it wasn't my fault. I wish I released the self-judgment.

Adults, here are 5 Lessons from this story:

1. Empower children to be confident self-advocates.
2. Encourage autonomy at early ages
3. Listen to the needs of children. Do not dismiss them.
4. Help children learn self-compassion and resilience.
5. Unmute yourself! Share your stories. Be vulnerable.