Striking Out Mitchell’s Bad Pamper Habits
Life can be a bit complicated right now for Mitchell, the sweet, energetic kid I babysit who has special needs. His developmental abilities are closer to those of a two-year-old. That means every success he achieves is celebrated like hitting a home run in the ninth inning. But one ongoing challenge we've been facing is his habit of ripping off his pampers right after he poops, no matter where he is or what’s happening around him. It’s an innocent act—he doesn’t fully grasp why this isn’t okay—but it’s one of those behaviors that we’re working to address because it’s not only inconvenient, but it’s also essential for his hygiene, safety, and development.
Mitchell is going through a lot right now, and that’s something I try to remind myself of every single day. Routines can be overwhelming for him, and transitions—even small ones—like waiting to have his diaper changed, push a lot of buttons in his mind. There’s a level of anxiety or discomfort he feels that he hasn’t yet fully learned how to communicate to us. When he rips his pampers off, it’s his way of addressing that discomfort immediately. I understand that impulse. Sometimes in life, we all feel like taking quick, dramatic actions to fix a problem right away. However, real growth happens when we learn to slow down, sit with that discomfort for a moment, and trust the process.
When Mitchell tears off his pampers, it often happens when we’re already juggling so much. Whether we’re out running errands as a family, trying to enjoy a baseball game at the park, or even just cooking dinner at home, it can snowball into a situation that’s stressful for everyone. But here’s the thing—his future self will thank us for helping him understand why patience is important. Right now, he’s learning how to balance his emotions, how to trust mom or dad to respond when he needs help, and ultimately, how to gain some independence down the line. These are big-league lessons for a little guy, but they matter.
The act of waiting, even for just a few seconds, can feel like an eternity to him. However, there’s value in learning that while discomfort may happen, it’s not something we always have to solve in an instant. By showing him that he can count on us to clean him up and care for him after he calls for help — rather than him taking matters into his own hands — we’re reinforcing a sense of security. Waiting those extra few seconds teaches him that solutions don’t always have to come from impulsive actions. That’s a tough lesson to learn, but I truly believe it’s part of the foundation his growth as a young person is being built on.
Baseball always comes to mind when I think about teaching patience to Mitchell. To succeed on a team, every player needs to know when to swing, when to wait, and when to trust their teammates. There’s a rhythm to the game, and that same kind of rhythm plays into everyday life. Mitchell might not realize it yet, but waiting for us to help him clean up instead of ripping off his diaper right away is kind of like stepping back from the plate to line up the perfect swing. It’s an act of trust and teamwork that makes sure everyone is safe, supported, and ready to play on the field of life.
There’s also the safety aspect to consider, which is just as important. When Mitchell rips off his pampers, he sometimes gets poop on himself or nearby surfaces, leading to a quick potential health hazard for him and others. Helping him understand why waiting for mom or dad to help prevents a messy situation—and keeps him healthy—is a key part of the learning process. Of course, he doesn’t fully understand this yet, but helping Mitchell connect patience to positive outcomes helps prepare him for bigger lessons in life. A little waiting now could prevent a lot of trouble down the line.
What I’d really love to hear from you, the reader, is this: Why do you think it’s a bad idea for Mitchell to rip off his pampers after he poops, even though there’s so much else going on in his life? Have you had similar experiences you might want to share, whether with your kids, someone you love, or even yourself in learning patience and managing impulsive behavior? I’m open to thoughts, advice, or even encouragement—it’s all part of sharing this wild, wonderful parenting journey.
At the end of the day, I know that raising Mitchell is a lot like coaching a team. You work hard not just for the victories that everyone sees, but for the invisible moments of progress and growth. By teaching him to wait—to trust us to clean him up when he calls for help—we’re showing him that he’s not alone, and that every challenge, no matter how big or small, can be overcome with patience and trust. Life’s a long game, and we’re all in it together.