How Can I Say No?
Last night I fell asleep in my son's room as I was putting him to sleep. I woke up just before two and sat in his room watching the shadows and wondered why he had such difficulty sleeping alone, and in this room. It has toys, bright colors, and blankets galore. And like clockwork, the little urchin, rolled over, blinked and climbed into my lap. He snuggled into my arms and closed his eyes.
I sat there with him, arms wrapped around his shoulders, thinking maybe hed fall back asleep and I could lay him down and head downstairs to my own room. For a minute anyway.
After relaxing a few moments, he turned to face me, wrapped his little arms around my neck, and kissed my cheek.
That, my friends, is how a child gets their way. Any parent will tell you, these little, seemingly inconsequential actions, yank at your heartstrings, and sets up how you won't even approach saying No to whatever the next request will be. I hugged him back and smiled.
Then he asked, "This way?" His finger pointed to the door. "Go Downstairs?"
I sighed. Kissed his forehead (yet, again) and stood up (again, I ask all you parents, how can I say No?). I hold him steady in my arms and walk out his bedroom door. Confirming his belief that he will always get to sleep with Mom and Dad. He kisses me again, puts his head on my shoulder and sighs right before I descend the stairs and climb into bed--urchin firmly planted in my arms.
I sat there with him, arms wrapped around his shoulders, thinking maybe hed fall back asleep and I could lay him down and head downstairs to my own room. For a minute anyway.
After relaxing a few moments, he turned to face me, wrapped his little arms around my neck, and kissed my cheek.
That, my friends, is how a child gets their way. Any parent will tell you, these little, seemingly inconsequential actions, yank at your heartstrings, and sets up how you won't even approach saying No to whatever the next request will be. I hugged him back and smiled.
Then he asked, "This way?" His finger pointed to the door. "Go Downstairs?"
I sighed. Kissed his forehead (yet, again) and stood up (again, I ask all you parents, how can I say No?). I hold him steady in my arms and walk out his bedroom door. Confirming his belief that he will always get to sleep with Mom and Dad. He kisses me again, puts his head on my shoulder and sighs right before I descend the stairs and climb into bed--urchin firmly planted in my arms.
