OF DIAPERS AND EGOS


My self-esteem took a bit of a plunge today.

I was tasked with the responsibility of changing a diaper (the child in question shall remain unnamed due to her age). I didn't seek it out or anything, I just happened to be there.

Mum (of child) : She needs a diaper change.

Me : Oh, shall I do it ?

Mum : Only if you want to....

Me : Its no problem.

Mum : Have you ever changed a diaper before ?

Me : Sure.

Mum : Really ?

Me : Well.... once.

Child : Shell <thats what she calls me> change diaper !

Me (to child) : Ok go get the diaper.

[Child brings diaper and I proceed to change her. I am almost done when I can't seem to get those sticky tab things to work. Sigh. I struggle silently as the minutes tick by, knowing that very soon, someone is going to notice that I am having trouble with the diaper. I am not disappointed.]

Sister : Its on backwards.

Mother (from kitchen) : What?

Sister (to Mother in kitchen): ITS ON BACKWARDS.

Sister (to me) : Its on backwards. The cartoons are supposed to face the front.

Right. I knew that.

Just as I am putting the finishing touches to the (properly fitted) diaper, the child asks me in quiet, patient diplomacy : "Finished ?"

Lesson for the day : You know you've taken too long to change a diaper when the child in question asks if you're finished.