I guess some people would say this is silly because if she gets so used to everything being a certain way it will be harder for her to sleep other places or for other people to put her to bed. They might also say it's silly to do all those little rituals night in and night out. To those people I say...PHHHBBTT. (That's me sticking out my tongue.)
My five, going-to-be-six-in-a-few-months little guy is becoming...well, no longer my little guy. He's getting involved in more things and becoming more & more independent. He was in a parade last weekend with his baseball team and once he got in the back of the truck they were riding in, I was forgotten about. When I tucked him in tonight, I said "I love you. I love you. HEY, I LOVE YOU!" And he said "Huh? Oh. Okay. 'Night." Now, granted he was engrossed in a book...but still. Sigh.
He will still come running to me if he gets hurt or when he wants to sit together on the couch and read a book...but as the saying goes - "the times, they are a-changin'" and I know the moments will get fewer and far between, or change altogether. I remember doing little nighttime rituals with him when he was just a witty bitty baby, like Ellie. And well, okay...she's not really a "witty bitty baby" anymore either. Time moves too fast. So I'm gonna grab onto it where I can. And if it involves adjusting a billion things "just so" before bed or giving a couple dozen more kisses...so be it.
I think daily rituals are one of the most important things mothers (or fathers) can do for their children. :] WIthout ours, Jacobi and Ember (and me..and Jesse) would never get any sleep :p
ReplyDeleteI believe the little night ritual is only helpful. We have something similar with my 4 year old daughter. It involves reading, her favourite stuffed animal and nightlight.
ReplyDelete