Bedtime Chats
Wednesday, February 4th, 2015From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Every night since Tate started sleeping in his “big boy” bed, he makes a request that sounds like this: “Mommy, will you lay with me?” It saddens me to think that each and every night I reply: “of course, just for a minute. “ In my mind, I’m thinking about getting Jack cleaned up and tucked in as well, finishing up any homework/projects due the next day, tidying up the kitchen mess, and any other tasks life throws at me all in time to enjoy a couple hours in the evening to relax and have some “me” time. Tate deserves more than just a minute.
It wasn’t until recently that I’ve picked up on some details that I probably never would’ve talked with Tate about. Those few extra minutes I lie in bed with Tate are when all the good stuff comes out. We talk about his friends, how much he misses his family members, how he tried really hard at staying in the lines while coloring his worksheet at school, how he helped his friend pick up papers that fell all over the floor, and how he felt really sad about not including a friend in his game of tag on the playground. He once told me how one of his girl friends from school told him he was cute. “Eeeeww… disgusting,” he said.
I cherish our heart-to-heart talks. I like to put the kids to bed so I can enjoy some time to myself, but I feel guilty if I miss out on some quality time. So, tonight when Tate asks me to lie down with him, I will lie there as long as he wants me to. If it adds fifteen extra minutes to the bedtime routine, then that is fifteen extra minutes I get to spend with him. I know years from now I’ll be asking him (and Jack) to take an extra fifteen minutes to spend with ME.