“Mom, can you lay down with me?”
As I glanced at the clock, frustration bubbled up—9:30 p.m. and the last thing I felt like doing was lying down. I was exhausted. All I wanted was to finish that show I started with my partner, whom I hadn’t seen much of lately. My head ached, and I was ready to close the chapter on the day after a long week of work and school.
“Why are you still up? Why not use your meditation app, and I’ll check on you in a few?” I suggested.
“Please, Mom,” she pleaded. “You haven’t laid down with me in ages.”
Looking into her big, round eyes, I noticed the dark circles and pale skin; it dawned on me that she was likely just as drained as I was. She was right; it had been a while since I’d spent that time with her. At nearly 9 years old, she was facing challenges at school, and her mood swings were becoming more frequent. We had been using bedtime as a cool-down period, allowing her to dive into her favorite chapter books instead. Meanwhile, she relished her newfound independence at night.
Of course, I always snuggled with her younger sister, who is just 5 years old and still incredibly affectionate as she learns to read each night. We sing her favorite lullabies and share prayers. But I hadn’t been reading with my oldest daughter recently, mistakenly thinking she had outgrown that phase. You know, those moments of pillow talk where they open up about their day—what happened at recess, who sat with her at lunch, or what she felt during a school event. Turns out, I was wrong; she still craved that connection.
Reluctantly, I made my way to her room. As I crawled into her bed, which felt almost too small for both of us, she nestled in beside me, clutching me just like she did when she was a toddler. The scent of her new peppermint shampoo filled the air, a clear sign that she was growing up. I savored that moment as she relaxed, the stress of the day melting away in our embrace.
We listened to her meditation app together, and soon her breathing slowed, her body becoming heavier until, in a matter of minutes, she drifted off to sleep. I lingered for a few moments, holding her close, realizing that in a couple of years, she might not ask for these moments anymore. She had already stopped holding my hand when we crossed the street and no longer ran to me after school with that same joyful grin, now aware of how her peers might perceive her.
But tonight, that was all that mattered. These seemingly small moments hold immense value, reminding us of what is truly important. Not the dishes waiting to be washed, the emails left unread, or the endless scrolling through social media. It was simply about her. Just the two of us. Right now. Because this is all we truly have.
Motherhood is a constant balancing act between our needs and those of our children. Work versus family time? Housework versus play? Exercise versus downtime? It’s an ongoing struggle to allocate our precious time effectively and determine who deserves it more.
But on this particular night, I chose to give that time to her, and in doing so, I realized it was exactly what I needed, too. For more insights on parenting and family matters, check out Modern Family Blog, an excellent source for advice on navigating these challenges.
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Summary:
In the hustle of daily life, it’s crucial to prioritize those fleeting moments with our children. This blog post reflects on the importance of taking time to connect with our kids, even when it feels inconvenient. A heartfelt reminder that amidst life’s chaos, these simple interactions can be the most meaningful.