Yep. Shit Happens.

Once in awhile, I have some, uh, kid body functions to deal with.

It's not the first time, of course. I don't always write about it.

Today Don* ran to me breathlessly, holding his front and back at the same time.

"I have to go to the bathroom RIGHT NOW RIGHT NOW!!!" I told him to go, and he left quickly... and left a very nasty smell behind him. Poor guy.

He came back about five minutes later. He walked toward me as if he wanted to say something, then his face changed and he turned around and ran back to the bathroom.

When he came back he still smelled bad. Fortunately we were heading outside, so no one really noticed except my assistant. And me. I took him out the back door and questioned him as gently as possible, wanting to determine if the stuff was on his clothing or on his skin, thinking I would try to explain to him how to wash up a bit, but he shamefacedly told me that he had some in his underwear. I told him it was fine, not to worry. That he'd probably be picked up soon anyway. He's just a little guy.

I always have the children's emergency contact information with me, so while we were outdoors I called his dad, who's usually the one who picks him up anyway.
And Dad was only about five minutes away. When I talked to him, I explained the issue and told him that it's always my priority to make sure that people don't notice the problem if it's possible at all.

I don't know about you, but in talking with people over the years, everyone remembers a kid who was embarrassed while growing up. Poop accidents, or boogers or pee or some other function that inadvertently became public.

I grew up with a guy named Sam who was called Hershey Squirts from the time he was in first grade. I'm sure I don't need to explain why.

It's so, so important to me that children's little hearts are not damaged while they're in my care.

That's what motivates me in dealing with that type of situation.
His dad was so appreciative when he came to get his son. He thanked me very sincerely. Don and his dad went into the building and got his backpack and left while we were all playing outside. No one caught on to what was happening. Which is a good thing. :)

Shit doesn't happen all that often in my setting. I think the average is about every 3 years or so. I'm hopeful that it will be another three years before I have to deal with anything like that again.