Emma's Regression Part 4
The next few days passed in a gentle but firm blur. After the phone call with Mrs. Harper, Emmaâs mom had decided it was time. No more âbig girlâ underwear. Emma was now in Pull-Ups 24/7, cute ones with little stars and animals printed on them.
It was her first day at the daycare.
Emma stood in front of the full-length mirror in her bedroom at home, wearing a soft denim skirt and a matching top. The Pull-Up was thick enough that its outline was clearly visible under the short skirt if she moved the wrong way. In one hand she held a sippy cup filled with apple juice. She stared at her reflection â a twenty-year-old woman dressed and padded like a toddler â and felt a wave of confusion wash over her.
This canât be real⌠Iâm twentyâŚ
Her bottom lip began to tremble. Tears welled up in her eyes and spilled over. Soft little sobs escaped as she stood there, feeling completely overwhelmed.
Her mom gently took her hand and drove her to the daycare. When they arrived, Mrs. Harper was waiting at the front door with a warm smile. She immediately noticed Emmaâs tearful face and crouched down to her level, pulling the crying girl into a comforting hug.
âAww, itâs okay, sweetie. First days can be scary,â she cooed, rubbing Emmaâs back in slow circles, exactly the way she would comfort any of her little ones. âYouâre safe here with Miss Harper. Letâs check your Pull-Up, okay?â
Emma whimpered but didnât resist as Mrs. Harper turned her around, lifted the back of her skirt, and gently tugged at the waistband of the Pull-Up.
âOh dear⌠someone made a poopy,â Mrs. Harper said softly, not sounding upset at all. âThatâs alright, baby. Thatâs why you wear your Pull-Ups.â
Emmaâs face burned with embarrassment as Mrs. Harper guided her over to the large changing mat right in the middle of the main playroom. A few other staff members and little ones were nearby, but Mrs. Harper didnât seem to mind the semi-public setting.
She laid Emma down on her back, lifted her skirt, and began untaping the soiled Pull-Up while speaking in a calm, patient, toddler-friendly voice.
âNext time you feel that funny tummy feeling, you tell Miss Harper right away, okay? Thatâs your body saying itâs time to make a poop. And when you get a pee feeling, you tell me so we can go potty like a big girl. Can you try to listen to those feelings for Miss Harper like a big girl?â
Emma nodded tearfully, sucking on her thumb while Mrs. Harper wiped her bottom clean with cool wipes, powdered her generously, and slid a fresh Pull-Up snugly into place. The crinkle of the new padding filled the quiet moment.
âThere we go! All clean and dry,â Mrs. Harper said cheerfully, helping Emma back to her feet and smoothing down her skirt. She handed the sippy cup back to her. âWould you like to go play with the blocks now, sweetie?â
Emma stood there in her fresh Pull-Up, still sniffling, feeling small, cared for, and deeply embarrassed⌠but also strangely safe. She gave a tiny nod and clutched her sippy cup tighter.

















