Sobbing Bedtimes and Evolved Stick Figures
If I start bedtime even one minute past 8:00 it quickly goes to the dark side. He hasn't napped in quite some time which is almost never a problem, unless we cross the 8:00 line. Then it's ugly.
"Carry me to the bathroom."
"Do I have to brush my teeth?"
"I don't have to pee."
"My legs don't work; I'm toast."
and then the dreaded crying begins and evolves to screaming crying...
Truth be told this is not a common occurrence because I've learned my lesson, but it doesn't change the fact that
I hate bedtime.
There I said it. If you've listened to the podcast you may have heard me say it before. I know the super moms are cringing, but it's true. I always have. All three kids, 13+ years and I have dreaded bedtime almost every single night. Just for clarity's sake that over 4,700 bedtimes...
The only thing that saves me is the cuteness. Did you see the stick figure he drew above? Oh my heart these kids are cute. The stick figure saves me. That and the: funny comments, the clever ideas, the chubby cheeks, the world discovery, the hugs, the "I love YOUs".... It's all so good that I can't help, but mange my way through bedtime without completely losing my mind.
Parenting really is the hardest thing I'll ever love and here's how I manage my thoughts to stay in the game and not damage my kids too much.
Thought
Question
Action
Thought:
- "I hate bedtime."
Who does this thought belong to?
- Me! and maybe a few other struggling moms whose energy I'm connecting with.
What purpose does this thought serve?
- None.
When am I ready to release this thought?
- Maybe when the youngest is 10, or sooner if possible.
Where do I need to put this thought next?
- Ideally on a ship out to sea.
Why am I giving this thought power?
- Because it's a powerful thought. Hate is a nasty vibration, but I can combat it with LOVE
How can my WHY and or purpose lead me to my next action?
My WHY is GROWTH.
GROWTH asks me to choose love over hate, to release what I want and be present for what my kids need.
GROWTH reminds me that this won't last forever and that someday I'll long to read books and snuggle with little beings.
GROWTH says, "Follow your mama heart, not your ego mind."
