Anyone who knows me can attest to the fact that I like being lazy. I let my kids watch far too much tv. I bribe them with the ipad so I can pee behind closed doors, alone! I don't really fight with them about food, as long as they eat something that resembles healthy food during the day. Along with this comes the strict enforcement of nap time. Mama needs a break.
Zoey is easy to put down, being a second child she was a little ripped off when it came to a bedtime routine. We have started reading her stories at night time now, it is really lovely to sit with her and snuggle in the rocking chair in her nursery while she drinks her bottle. Plus she is little enough she really doesn't care what we read, I have definitely been known to read a magazine or some of my novel instead of a picture book... so much less boring.
Isaac however, oh my god! Putting him down is such a production. He is incredibly finicky about everything. First he throws an epic tantrum at the mere thought of impending nap time. This is followed by bargaining about how many drinks of juice and what kind of food he needs before he can possibly go to sleep. He might starve if he does not binge before his 2 hour long hibernation. This is followed with many promises of what we will do after nap time, hello he needs something to dream about. Finally I am allowed to carry his royal highness downstairs to his room.
If you thought it stopped there you are hilarious and far too optimistic. Clearly you have not had the pleasure of putting a toddler to bed. Now that we have arrived in his room and the dog has found a comfy spot to fall asleep we must peruse every storybook we own so Isaac can demand I read the same three stories we have read for the past six months. God help me if I say a wrong word, read too fast, too slow, or use a different voice then his father did three nights ago. After reading these stories, that I have had to start over approximately six hundred times as punishment for not reading them correctly, I am required to sit in his room while he squeaks a rubber dolphin in his "peek and squeak" book (I had better not attempt to read it or rush him through this ritual.) Next comes his colours book, we must review all the colours and discuss everything in the universe that might be that colour. Finally I may tuck him in by rubbing his head with one of the satin edged blankets his grandma made him and covering him with the mountain of other blankets he has collected on his bed. He is a blanket hoarder and is always finding more even if I hide them. I am required to put all his books away in their rightful places and now I can attempt to leave. This is usually followed with demands for another kiss and hug for him and of course for every single stuffed animal he owns. As I leave the room I have to wake up the dog and haul his eighty pound butt up the stairs.
Why don't I just stop this nonsense and make him go to sleep? Why don't I simply let him throw a tantrum? He would learn. You are correct on all of these points but then my quiet time would be loud, the baby would wake up, and this is just easier. Have you ever fought with a toddler? You always lose.
#soblessed #Idonegotiatewithterriorists #Ijustwanttotakeanap
No comments:
Post a Comment