The day my toddler saved me

The day my toddler saved me

Ok, I understand that title sounds a bit dramatic so let me clarify a few things before we continue. This post is not about a near death experience nor is it about how having a baby saved me from a life I was unhappy with or anything like that. This post is about how, last week, Leo rescued me from the shower and saved me from having a full on panic attack/meltdown. Now that’s cleared up, let me tell you all about my little hero.

We live in a very old house, the décor looks like something out of the 1960’s and I long for double glazed windows and a hob that actually works. I am not going to list every little thing wrong with this place as we could be here all day, let’s just say the house is in need of a serious makeover. One of the building’s many problems is the door on our shower. It has been sticking quite a lot lately and you really have to put your arms to work when opening and closing it, I count getting in and out of the shower as my daily exercise it wears me out that much!

The other morning I got in the shower and as usual Leo followed me in to the bathroom but, today of all days, he decided to close the door behind him. I happily got washed chatting away to Leo about our plans for the day, not realising everything was going to be seriously delayed due to a terrifying shower door malfunction. So, I finished my shower, grabbed the towel I had hung over the door and attempted to prise the ancient thing open but today, no matter how much I put those massive guns of mine (!!) to work, I just couldn’t open it. I tried again. Still no give, not even a measly millimetre. This is when my heart began to race.

My calm and collected pulling at the door turned into frantic yanking, shaking and tugging but that door was not opening at all. I asked Leo to try from his side but of course he had no joy either. I tried to calm my racing heart and fight back the panic building in my chest. What the hell was I going to do? My phone was on charge on top of the toaster so there was no way Leo could get that. The laptop was in the  living room, even if Leo got it for me how would he get it into the shower so I could message Oli to come get me.

After about 15 minutes of trying to keep the panic at bay and attempting to form an escape plan but only drawing a blank, I had a lightbulb moment. I asked Leo to open the bathroom door, which took nearly 10 minutes as he could only just get his little fingers around the handle, while stretched right up on his tippy toes.  I instructed him to go to his room and grab some pants and pj bottoms as he was half naked for some reason. My little man did as he was told and after a further agonising 5 minutes of coaching him in the important life lesson of dressing himself, Leo was ready to save the day. He was going to be a super hero, just like his beloved Spider Man and Batman.

Before I carry on, you need to know that the property we live in is attached to Oli’s work, safely hidden away behind a gate that is always locked and is completely safe.

OK so, Leo was ready but I had that horrible feeling in my chest again, the panic and stress building in anticipation of what was about to happen. I looked at my nearly 3 year old through the damned shower door and told him he needed to go get Daddy. I needed him to go out of our house – alone – in to the care home next door – alone – find one of the ladies (staff) or go up to Daddy’s office and tell them Mummy needs help as she is stuck in the shower. Even though I knew he would be completely safe and the worse thing that could happen was when he got out of the kitchen instead of turning left into the care home he turned right and decided to play in the garden for a while leaving me trapped, I was still totally stressed out. There was nothing else I could do, it was 9 in the morning and Oli wouldn’t be home for lunch for another 3 and a half hours. I had no way of contacting anyone for help, Leo was my only way of getting out of that stupid shower.

Leo gladly went on his way, with his instructions firmly drilled into his little brain, ‘go straight to Daddy and tell him I’m stuck’, easy. As soon as I saw his little figure disappear behind the bathroom door I started crying, what the hell was I thinking? I had given a 2 year old permission to go outside on his own. Yes the garden is totally enclosed and safe and we are behind a locked gate nowhere near the road but still, it all just felt so wrong and I just wanted to smash through the glass shower door and run after him.

After what felt like a lifetime but was probably only 2 minutes in reality, I heard the familiar click of the kitchen door opening and heard Oli’s voice. I started crying more when I realised I was getting out and that Leo was obviously fine. Oli gave the door a pull from the other side and just like that I was free. I cried for a bit (stressful situation and pregnancy hormones will do that to a girl) and then smothered Leo in kisses while Oli told me how Leo had gone straight into the home, asked the caretaker where Daddy was and delivered his line of ‘we have to help Mummy, she’s stuck in the shower’ perfectly.

I don’t think I have ever felt so proud. Not only did Leo listen to me, which is a rare occurrence in itself, but he understood the seriousness of the situation and you could tell how happy he was to have saved his Mummy from the evil shower of doom. I struggled with a lot guilt for the rest of the day, even though everything had worked out well there is always a small chance something could have gone wrong. It was an impossible situation, Leo getting help really was the only way for things to be solved and although it was so hard for me to let him go, I am so proud of my little hero for saving me.

toddler saved me

Me and my little super hero

For anyone who’s interested, the shower door is now fixed! Oli asked the handyman to do it straight away, it’s a bit annoying it took me getting stuck for it to get sorted but at least it won’t happen again. Now all I need to do is take Leo to get measured up for his very own super hero costume 🙂

What would you have done in my situation, do you think I made the right call? Has your child ever saved you from a difficult situation? I would love to hear your stories.

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41 Comments

  1. August 8, 2016 / 8:51 am

    You have one smart little boy. Of course you did the right thing. I think kids do grasp the seriousness of the situation even if they are young, and yours is a complete star. #mg

  2. August 8, 2016 / 9:57 am

    Ah my what a post – my heart was in my mouth a bit, you explained the situation so well and Leo – what a little hero. I’d have felt like you did if I was stuck in the shower and had to get my almost 3 year old to do what Leo did. I’m so glad all is OK now. #anythinggoes
    Rach recently posted…Celebrity Big Brother Ain’t What It Once WasMy Profile

  3. August 8, 2016 / 2:12 pm

    aww wow, what a little hero indeed. I think you did the right thing but I would have been the same, don’t beat yourself up, you should be so proud of him. glad to hear the shower is fixed, phew, no more accidents please! Thanks for sharing #mg

  4. August 8, 2016 / 4:22 pm

    Oh wow, what a situation! I honestly don’t know what I’d have done…its hard for me to imagine because we live near a busy road, but in your situation living somewhere where he’s enclosed even when going out to his dads work I think you did the right thing. Bless him, what a little hero! #anythinggoes
    Hayley McLean recently posted…Things They Don’t Tell You About Having BoysMy Profile

  5. August 8, 2016 / 8:22 pm

    Wow, what a little hero! I’d have done the same thing. Our tot has a long way to go, he can’t even tell Grandpa in the living room that dinner is ready without getting waylaid by toys on the ‘journey’. Glad you escaped!

    #fartglitter

  6. August 8, 2016 / 9:04 pm

    What a little dude! Fab post you must have been such a mix of emotions that day! Superhero Leo is my new favourite two year old, clever boy! #fartglitter x

  7. August 9, 2016 / 12:05 am

    Oh he so deserves a super hero costume! This actually had me in tears as i could just imagine how worried you would have been sending him out to get help. What fab job he did too, and I am so glad it is fixed for you now!!!! I remember when Aspen was 3 and she locked me out of the house accidentally I didn’t know what to do! I eventually coaxed her to get a chair from the kitchen and stand on it to open the door but I was freaking out that she would fall off the chair the whole time, but the thought of leaving her in there alone with all the dangerous things a house has freaked me out more. Thanks for linking up #mg
    Mackenzie Glanville recently posted…But first breatheMy Profile

  8. August 9, 2016 / 6:09 pm

    Oh what a fab post – you must be so proud of your little boy, really impressive that he did all that and ultimately came to your rescue. Such a lovely story x #anythinggoes

  9. Janet
    August 9, 2016 / 11:27 pm

    Wow – you should be so proud of Leo! I think you have to use your judgement – he was safe and you are aware of your surroundings and as parents’ we have to use your own intuition and judgement – I’m sure you would never have done anything that would put him in danger and I’m so pleased your other half was close by. My hubby had a particularly bad time with epilepsy a couple of years ago and I had to train my children how to use telecare equipment in case they were ever alone with daddy and he was poorly. My hubby could trigger an alarm from a bracelet and they would talk to him over an intercom, phone myself or other family members, and send out carers to the house. There was also a button on the phone equipment for us to use just in case so all children had to be told what to do and trusted that they wouldn’t press it if help wasn’t needed. Luckily, we never had to use it but it was a great safeguard during a difficult time! 🙂
    Janet recently posted…This Week at RRW – Rebrand and relaunch on the cards for RRW!My Profile

  10. Janet
    August 9, 2016 / 11:27 pm

    Wow – you should be so proud of Leo! I think you have to use your judgement – he was safe and you are aware of your surroundings and as parents’ we have to use your own intuition and judgement – I’m sure you would never have done anything that would put him in danger and I’m so pleased your other half was close by. My hubby had a particularly bad time with epilepsy a couple of years ago and I had to train my children how to use telecare equipment in case they were ever alone with daddy and he was poorly. My hubby could trigger an alarm from a bracelet and they would talk to him over an intercom, phone myself or other family members, and send out carers to the house. There was also a button on the phone equipment for us to use just in case so all children had to be told what to do and trusted that they wouldn’t press it if help wasn’t needed. Luckily, we never had to use it but it was a great safeguard during a difficult time! 🙂 Thanks for linking up to #AnythingGoes 🙂
    Janet recently posted…New RRW BadgeMy Profile

  11. August 10, 2016 / 8:45 am

    What a horrifying ordeal!!! So, so lucky your husband works next door!!! What else could you have done? What a terrific little fellow! #bestandworst

  12. August 10, 2016 / 7:20 pm

    Dear Wendy! You are a brave Mom and your son is indeed a superhero! I am glad you had help nearby. Hugs! Good thing the shower door is fixed now. I had my heart in my mouth until I reached the end of your post! Would love to see Leo in his superhero costume! Take care.
    Vidya Sury recently posted…Buried TreasureMy Profile

  13. Yvonne
    August 10, 2016 / 9:41 pm

    OMG that sounds horrendous!! I would be panicking too! What a great wee guy you have #AnythingGoes xx
    Yvonne recently posted…Olympics – Our Family MilestoneMy Profile

  14. August 10, 2016 / 9:52 pm

    Oh bless his heart!! What a clever little lad 🙂 I would have been stressy too without a doubt! Thanks for linking up #bestandworst
    helen gandy recently posted…Best and Worst Linky #60My Profile

  15. August 11, 2016 / 9:18 am

    Your kid is AMAZING! My girls have only recently turned two So I actually think this would have been impossible for them lol. You actually brought a tear to my eye when you described the moment he returned!
    #bestandworst

  16. August 13, 2016 / 7:56 am

    Oh wow you must be sooooo proud. What a clever little chap. My biggest is nearly 4 but he has delayed motor skills related to autism (though his communication is fine) and it means he can’t open doors at all – so I honestly don’t know what I would have done! We’d have been trapped a while I think. Well done you for keeping calm and I am so glad it worked out so well!

  17. April 6, 2017 / 11:43 pm

    What a post this is! Leo is a star, a real-life superhero. Hats off to him for having done exactly as he was told… sometimes, we underestimate our kids. I can imagine the fear and guilt you must’ve felt, glad the ordeal is over.
    #BlogCrush
    Nicole – Tales from Mamaville recently posted…The Anatomy of a ToddlerMy Profile

  18. April 7, 2017 / 7:21 am

    Oh my goodness I am so proud of your son and you had me in tears right along with you. I’m so glad nothing bad happened and that the situation worked out. I cannot imagine! My daughter is 2, too, but i think she’s got a long ways to go before she can do what your son did lol #blogcrush
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  19. April 7, 2017 / 7:22 am

    Well done Oli! That must have been so scary for you. I can’t imagine what went through your husband’s mind too. Glad the door is fixed. #blogcrush

  20. April 7, 2017 / 7:23 am

    Wow what a dude! I love it when your children suprise you in what they are able to achieve. Sounds like you should be incredibly proud! Not sure what the hell i would do – my 3yo would most likely take advantage and raid the kitchen cupboards! #BlogCrush
    pam lorimer recently posted…Mug CakesMy Profile

  21. April 7, 2017 / 7:31 am

    Leo, you superstar superhero!!! What an absolutely amazing little guy that is have there! I would’ve probably done the same, given the circumstances. x #BlogCrush

  22. April 7, 2017 / 8:10 am

    I remember this post well, he is a little superhero, love him! Popping back this time for #blogcrush
    Mackenzie Glanville recently posted…Feeling lowMy Profile

  23. April 7, 2017 / 8:12 am

    My God chick that must have been horrible! Well Done Leo – what a little hero! xx #blogcrush

  24. Oh my goodness, this a real fear I have! I got so immersed in your story it made me cry a bit with anxiety. How scary for you. You were so brave but you really had no choice. And it’s amazing how capable kids can be at such a young age when they realise something is important. Well done Leo! #BlogCrush
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  25. April 7, 2017 / 6:13 pm

    Forget the guilt, enjoy the pride. Children are so very resourceful. Yours is a little hero! x
    #BlogCrush

  26. April 7, 2017 / 8:13 pm

    That must have been such a scary experience! I can imagine I would have had a full-on panic attack. Well done for keeping it together – and raising a little man who could follow instructions so well and help his mum in her time of need! #blogcrush
    The Squirmy Popple recently posted…Why women deserve better maternity payMy Profile

  27. April 8, 2017 / 9:09 am

    Glad to hear the door is now fixed! What a situation to be in! Good on Leo for saving the day. I completely understand why the situation was so upsetting for you but you clearly have s very bright and caring little man to look after you #blogcrush
    Becky Clark recently posted…Guest Post – The Pregnancy Diaries: The arrival of baby S!My Profile

  28. April 9, 2017 / 10:45 pm

    Aww what a little hero Leo is! You should be so proud, although I can imagine that I would have been as worried sick as you were under the circumstances! I’m glad it was all ok in the end 🙂 #BlogCrush
    Mrs Lighty recently posted…The Breakfast BattleMy Profile

  29. April 10, 2017 / 8:23 am

    Omg my heart was going crazy reading this post as I can imagine what an impossible situation you were in and how frightening it must have been for you. Well done to Leo, what a clever little boy #BlogCrush

  30. April 10, 2017 / 2:20 pm

    Oh this sounds terrifying! What a brave and clever boy, Leo is! You must be so proud of him 🙂 Don’t feel guilty about it – it was your only option and you knew he would be safe. I’m glad the shower door has now been fixed – I think an experience like this might put me off showers for life! Haha #blogcrush
    Lucy At Home recently posted…#BlogCrush Week 8: 7th April 2017My Profile

  31. April 10, 2017 / 10:22 pm

    How scary for you! I was anxious just reading it. So glad you’re both ok. What a story. Thanks for sharing it #blogcrush

  32. April 14, 2017 / 2:52 am

    Lovely post and superhero son deserves a cape! Love it! #blogcrush
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