“Just five more minutes.”
This phrase has become a nightly ritual as I tuck my older child into bed, requesting that I stay by his side as he drifts off to sleep. Having recently transitioned into the world of “big kid” experiences—a transition bed and superhero pajamas among them—this request serves as one of the last remnants of his quickly fading early childhood. To be candid, I sometimes feel a twinge of annoyance at his plea. As a stay-at-home parent, my days are filled with little ones, and those rare moments of quiet when they are both asleep are invaluable; I guard those fleeting instances with a sense of sacredness, avoiding any distractions that could encroach upon my precious alone time.
As I sit on the floor in my child’s room, counting down the seconds of our five-minute pact, I often find myself plotting my next activities rather than soaking in those final moments of the day. I imagine myself ten minutes later, curled up on the couch with a remote in one hand and a soothing cup of tea in the other, zoning out to a mindless program while enjoying my uninterrupted peace.
More often than not, my daydreams are practical: I envision tackling the laundry pile waiting for me or scrubbing the remnants of dinner from the skillet. With so many tasks beckoning for attention, it’s tempting to feel resentful of the time spent beside my child as he writhes and squirms, unable to settle down with the thought of my eventual departure weighing on him. Yet, I am acutely aware that these moments of him asking for five more minutes will soon be replaced by entirely different requests.
At the age of six, he will plead for five more minutes to stay outside with his neighbor, even if they don’t always get along. Their camaraderie will blossom, and as he spends most of his day indoors, I’ll grant him this small reprieve, fully realizing how swiftly his childhood is unravelling.
By age eleven, our mornings will be filled with playful debates over his reluctance to wake up and the familiar request for five more minutes. I’ll remind him of the last time he overslept and missed the bus, emphasizing that today is not an option for tardiness unless he wants to find alternate means of transportation. There will be a bittersweet sense of anticipation as I look forward to the day he can drive himself, while simultaneously feeling the weight of this significant moment of dependence slipping away.
Fast forward to age seventeen, and I can envision him texting me for five more minutes at his girlfriend’s house, despite the reality of him being late for curfew. He’ll assure me that the movie is almost over, but I know the truth of their antics whenever I enter the room. I will recall my own youthful romance, filled with stolen moments, and respond, “Finish the movie, but be home by 11.”
Eventually, he will leave for college, and the requests for five more minutes will become a thing of the past, except for the occasional reminder to keep the laundry ready for his return during visits. My days will fill with work, errands, and caring for other children, but I will keep my phone close, hoping for a call during his brief walk back to his dorm.
Years later, when he brings his family to visit, our home will come alive with the joyous sounds of children. I will marvel at how my granddaughter’s focused expression mirrors his own childhood, and I’ll recognize familiar traits in my grandson.
As they prepare to leave, my son will glance at his wife for confirmation, indicating it’s time to head back. I will feel a sudden pang of reluctance and impulsively ask, “Stay just a little longer?” To my relief, he will smile and respond, “Sure, Mom. Five more minutes.” Even if he’s merely indulging me while counting down the seconds, those precious moments will provide comfort beyond measure.
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In conclusion, cherishing those fleeting moments of connection with our children can bring immeasurable joy and comfort as they grow, reminding us to savor every stage of their development.
Keyphrase: Five-Minute Parenting Pact
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