What If They Were Competent?

by Mr. Chaos

The Stipulation: One chapter a day. 500 words or less. Every episode of Rugrats. The Challenge: What if the adults on Rugrats were actually good parents? Watched their kids? Thought ahead? DIDN'T think it was fine for babies to nearly die every 5 days? Tommy is about to have a very different life with Stu and Didi actually using their brains.

108. Under Chuckie's Bed

Under Chuckie's Bed

"So Dr. Jasper," Chas said, looking away from Chuckie who was happily playing with some blocks to the family psychologist, "I was thinking it might be time to get Chuckie into a big boy bed."

"And why is that?" the shrink.

"Well… he's two years old. Isn't that when babies should switch to big beds?"

"Not really," the man told him. "Yes, some babies are able to switch to big boy beds early, sometimes at 18 months-"

"18 months!?" Chas said in a panic. "Oh dear!"

"But," the shrink continued, "that isn't set in stone. Every child is different, after all. Some children do better waiting till they are past three."

"Oh," Chas said, his heart rate slowing a bit with that news. "Well, what do you think then?"

"Let me ask you a few questions. Has Chuckie fussed at all about being in his crib?"

"No," Chas admitted. "He's actually really good about being put in there."

"Has he ever tried to escape?"

"Well… yes but only when his friend Tommy is around. When it's just him he likes to stay in there."

"Has he made attempts to sleep in your bed?"

"Only when he has a nightmare and that's if I carry him to my room."

Dr. Jasper smiled. "Then I don't think Chuckie is ready. You have to understand that this is a big change for Chuckie. And he's already gone through a large change with Melinda's passing. Sometimes it's best to let little ones adjust to one change before throwing another one at him."

"Then what do you recommend?"

"Perhaps see about getting a convertible."

"A car? I don't think Chuckie is old enough to drive yet."

Dr. Jasper chuckled. "No, a convertible crib. It can have the rails lower down and become a mini bed."

"Oh… yeah, that might be a good idea!"

The shirnk nodded. "And his friend Tommy… he is rather advanced for his age?"

"OH yeah. Tommy was walking when he was only 8 months old. Chuckie was well past one when he began walking."

"And you said Tommy likes escaping his crib. I would suggest chatting with Tommy's parents and finding out when they'll move him from a crib to a bed. Let Chuckie experience that… when he sees his friend Tommy is okay with it that will make him more open to doing it himself."

"Thanks Doctor!" Chas said. He walked over and picked up Chuckie. "Come on little guy, we still need to get to the store… I have to return that sweater I bought…"