It was just past 10 p.m. when I found myself lying next to my 9-year-old daughter in her room. After a long day at work, I had just returned home about half an hour earlier. When I noticed her awake, I decided to check in on her. Sitting cross-legged in her bed, sporting her pink unicorn pajamas, she looked up at me with wide, anxious eyes and whispered, “I’m scared.”
I could have easily dismissed her feelings, telling her to grow up or that she had nothing to fear. I could have mentioned the dinner I hadn’t eaten yet or that I still needed to shower before hitting the hay. But instead of brushing her off, I took a deep breath and climbed into bed beside her.
Just a few weeks ago, when my 11-year-old son shared his fear with me after I returned home late, I did the same thing. My youngest, who sometimes wanders into my room at odd hours, finds comfort in snuggling next to me when she’s scared. I don’t resist these moments; I embrace them.
I know there are those who argue that coddling older kids is detrimental, predicting that my children will struggle with independence. They might say that one day, my kids will be on a talk show lamenting how they couldn’t move out because I was there when they were scared. I have my doubts about that, and honestly, it’s not something that keeps me awake at night.
Here’s the truth: I don’t lie down next to my kids solely for their sake. I do it for selfish reasons too. Working two jobs means I often miss out on quality time with my kids. My schedule keeps me away during the day, and sometimes I come home long after they’ve gone to bed. Those late-night moments, when I can be there for them, are precious.
While family movie nights and car rides are fun, those nighttime cuddles offer a unique opportunity for one-on-one connection. The moment I snuggle up with my son, he opens up about his day, sharing stories about classmates and funny incidents. It’s during these times he feels comfortable to talk, and I cherish that bond. My middle daughter is no different; bedtime is when she shares her thoughts and feelings in a way she doesn’t during mealtime or in the car.
And then there’s my youngest, who, while I may not fully grasp her nighttime chatter, is simply adorable. She’s our baby, and I’m savoring every moment with her as she grows up far too quickly.
For busy parents like me, these quiet moments are invaluable. I know many parents would agree. Stay-at-home moms and dads spend all day with their little ones, but there’s something special about comforting a scared child and getting the chance to listen without distractions.
That night, as I lay next to my daughter, she nestled against me, her breath warm against my side. Initially tense from her fears, she gradually relaxed. Soon, she began sharing stories about her teacher and a game her friends created at recess. Before long, she drifted off to sleep, leaving me with a sense of contentment as I slipped away to grab a bite to eat.
I need this connection just as much as my children do.
For more insights on parenting and family life, you can check out Make a Mom for resources that can help you navigate your journey. If you’re exploring options for starting a family, Make a Mom provides an excellent selection of home insemination kits. And for comprehensive information on fertility treatments, the Cleveland Clinic is a fantastic resource.
In summary, bedtime with my kids is more than just a routine; it’s a cherished time for connection that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Leave a Reply