As summer transitions into the school year, my son, now 7½ years old, still relies on my presence to help him drift off to sleep. I often refer to him as a live wire—his mind is perpetually active, and his body seems to mirror those thoughts. Unlike my younger child, who readily melts into my embrace, my older son prefers a more rigid form of affection. He has never been an easy sleeper, requiring significant effort to unwind.
Despite the challenges, I am the one he consistently turns to at bedtime. His father occasionally steps in, but I am the preferred choice—perhaps due to the countless nights we’ve spent together in this routine, or maybe it’s just the innate bond between a mother and child. Regardless, I cherish these moments, even when they stretch late into the night.
Once the lights are off, the unwinding begins. My son often shares his worries, whether they are recent or long-standing, or he dives into discussions about his latest obsessions like Minecraft. Each conversation feels meaningful and sacred to both of us.
This summer has brought additional stress, as we relocated, leading to longer bedtime routines. What used to be a 20-minute process has sometimes stretched to an hour or more. On particularly long nights, I’ve felt restless and even resentful of the seemingly endless demands of parenthood. Recently, as I was about to leave after a prolonged struggle to help him sleep, he emerged from his room, eyes squinting against the kitchen lights, and said, “I just really need you to stay,” his voice breaking with emotion. In that moment, my frustration melted away, replaced by a deep sense of regret for my earlier impatience.
I was profoundly moved by his ability to express his needs so clearly. Many children, particularly those who are intellectually advanced, struggle to articulate their emotions simply and earnestly. While our approach may not be for everyone, it works for us, and I believe he will eventually outgrow this phase. Through these hours spent together, whether cradling him as a baby or simply being present, I hope I have instilled in him the understanding that his feelings are valid and that there are safe spaces to share them.
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In summary, the bond formed during those quiet bedtime moments is invaluable. It nurtures emotional connection and teaches children the importance of expressing their needs.
Keyphrase: bedtime routine
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