Cooper has mastered the art of stalling at bedtime. Not getting into bed, just letting Denten or I leave the room after he's all tucked in. He inevitiably needs a drink, a snack, has a soggy diaper or stuffy nose. I have learned to cover all possible options before he gets into bed. We have struggled in the past having him stay in his bed, a door lock saved my sanity. I know it sounds terribly cruel to some, but it worked for us. I haven't had to use it lately, he's gotten much better at staying in his room when it's time to go to sleep. The deal is that he gets tucked in and the door stays unlocked. If he decides to venture out, he gets put back in bed and the lock is engaged. He knows the drill and tests it occasionally. Tonight we (he) had a bath, brushed teeth, had a drink, cleared the nose, read a couple of stories followed by his scriptures. We said a prayer, turned off the light, turned on the humidifier and got him into bed. Sang "Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam" and "I am a Child of God." This is the routine every night- well not the bath, but everything else.
After getting him tucked in, leaving his room, embarking on my awaiting projects, I heard the doorknob turn... "Oh-oh" I replied, which is the signal that some kind of minor punishment is about to ensue. He quickly started defending himself explaining that the door should remain closed, but not locked. We got back in bed and then he looked at me and asked,
"Jesus keep me safe, mom?"
"Yes, Jesus will keep you safe."
"Angels keep me safe, mom?"
" Yes, your angels will keep you safe."
"Jesus and angels come now mom?
"Yes, they're here now, you're safe and can go to sleep."
"Oh, ok. night night."
I absolutely believe that we all have our own team of angels that watch over us and our families. I find great comfort in that. There are days when I really couldn't do it without my angels. I love that Cooper knows his Savior and his angels are watching over him, keeping him safe and protected. It's wonderful to see that the power of his angels outweigh the fear of the monsters, bears, bugs and whatever else his little imagination creates each day. Simple faith. That of a child. Amazing that my two-year-old baby reminds me that I don't go through this life alone, that we have constant divine companions surrounding us ready to step in when we just can't do it anymore. I don't think moms could be moms without angels. Sometimes there is just too much required, but we do it because we have help. I have had a pretty good week, but am very grateful for my angels, both invisible and two-years-old.
14 comments:
What a great event. He will test you clear until he leaves for college or a mission. You are doing it right. I too am grateful for angels seen and unseen.
What a great event. He will test you clear until he leaves for college or a mission. You are doing it right. I too am grateful for angels seen and unseen.
that is so touching! i love it when kids demonstrate their simple testimonies and trust. sounds like you're doing everything right--prayers, scriptures and primary songs before bedtime.
that is such a sweet experience! it's amazing what even the little ones teach us! thanks for sharing:)
I love that story. What a cute, cute boy. And before I had Aidan I might have thought locking them in to be cruel, but it has been a HUGE sanity saver for me.
Thank you for sharing this! It's clear you've taught him well. What a blessing for Denton to have such a loving mommy!
oh, that was very sweet to read.
That is so sweet. Sometimes I think we don't realize that little kids can feel lonely, just like us, in a dark quiet room. That's so wonderful that Cooper already knows that he's never really alone.
Gotta love Cooper! I love the reminder & the messenger.
This is the sweetest story, and the sweetest boy. I'm glad you shared this. I, too, am grateful for the unseen, but very felt angels that grace our lives.
Happy Mother's Day!
That is a great story. Isn't it amazing how they can just remind us of the simplicity of life? Thanks for your comment on my blog -- swim lessons are stressful, but I think you'll like the results if you can handle it.
What a doll!! So sweet!Snap!I am getting teary over this. -Janae
How sweet. I have struggled with the stalling bedtime too. I don't have a lock, but I used to tie string to her door. Now if she comes out I don't even listen to her. I just turn her around and put her back in her room. Now she's pretty good at staying in, but there was a day when the excuses just kept coming.
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