I’m sure once my kid starts throwing temper tantrums and generally embarrassing me lots of strangers, friends and family members will give me parenting advice, but at this stage I’m not getting much, just encouragement: “You’ll figure it out,” “You’ll be fine,” etc. etc. That’s all well and good, but finally the Japanese bathroom stall at Oak City Mall took pity on me and gave me some real advice.
“WARNING”—let’s agree that’s about the best parenting advice ever. But it went even further with helpful tidbits like, “Never leave,” “Keep watch,” and “Caution, drop!” helpfully illustrated with Japan’s standard excellent signage.
A male in my family who will remain completely anonymous could have used such advice when attempting his first diaper change. While ignoring all of this advice at the same time, he heard a THUMP, followed by (surprise) wailing. Fortunately, the wailer was and is fine. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you who it was. Ok, unless you ask, and happen to not be his wife. Then I’ll tell you. 🙂