“Just five more minutes.”
This is my older son’s nightly ritual as my partner and I tuck him in, pleading for us to linger until he drifts off to dreamland. He’s embraced the world of being a “big boy” with his new toddler bed and superhero pajamas, and this request is one of the final remnants of his rapidly fading babyhood. I’ll admit, there are times I feel a twinge of annoyance. As a stay-at-home mom, I’m rarely without my kids, and those rare instances when both are asleep are like gold to me; I cherish them and try to protect that precious “me time.”
As I sit on the floor of my son’s room during our five-minute pact, my mind often drifts elsewhere instead of savoring these fleeting moments together. I envision myself 10 minutes later, nestled on the couch with a remote in hand and a glass of wine, zoning out to a show that requires no thought while enjoying my solitude.
However, my daydreams frequently lean toward more practical matters: tackling the mountain of laundry in the bathroom or scrubbing the remnants of dinner from the skillet. There’s always so much waiting for me, yet here I am, beside my son’s bed as he squirms, unable to sleep with the thought of my departure looming. Still, I recognize that these requests for five more minutes will soon fade away, replaced by different kinds of pleas.
Growing Up: The Changing Requests
At age 6, he will plead for five more minutes to stay outside playing with his neighbor. Although they don’t always get along, tonight they’ll be happily engrossed in their game—yesterday’s squabbles long forgotten. With school keeping him cooped up most of the day, I’ll let his request slide, knowing how swiftly childhood is slipping through our fingers.
Fast forward to age 11, and mornings will turn into a battle over his moody requests for five more minutes of sleep. I’ll remind him that the last time he begged, he missed the bus, and missing it today isn’t an option unless he wants to walk to school. Part of me will eagerly await the day he can drive himself around, while another part will mourn the loss of this final thread of dependence on me.
At 17, while out with his girlfriend, he will text me, asking for five more minutes despite being late for curfew. He’ll claim the movie is just about to finish, promising he’ll be home right afterward. I know better, having witnessed how they often barely watch the films, scrambling apart whenever I enter the room. Still, I remember my own youthful days of stealing time with my partner, and so I’ll text back, “Finish the movie, but be home by 11.”
The Bittersweet Goodbye
Soon enough, he’ll head off to college, no longer needing to ask for anything except for me to keep the washing machine empty for when he comes home next weekend. My days will fill with work, errands, and managing my other children’s schedules, yet my phone will always be close by, hoping for his call during that five-minute walk back to his dorm.
Years later, when my son visits with his own family, our home will come alive with the laughter and chaos of children. I’ll be overjoyed to watch my granddaughter concentrate, her head tilting just like her father’s used to, and I’ll see my own features mirrored in my grandson as I remember the way I used to admire my son’s long lashes.
When it’s time for them to return home, my son will say, “We really need to hit the road,” glancing at his wife for agreement. “If Jack falls asleep in the car, getting him to bed will be impossible. And Sophie has a school project she put off.” I’ll acknowledge the inevitable goodbye, but it will still feel heart-wrenching. As he cleans up the scattered toys, I’ll feel a deep urge to keep them just a little longer.
“Can you stay for just five more minutes?” I’ll ask, unable to help myself.
“Sure, Mom,” he’ll reply with a smile. “Five more minutes.”
Even if he’s just indulging me while counting down the seconds until he can return to his busy life, those five minutes will provide me with more comfort than he can imagine.
Additional Resources
For more insights into pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource. If you’re interested in at-home options, visit this authority on the topic for more information. And for privacy, feel free to explore our other blog post.
Summary
This article reflects on the precious moments shared between a mother and her son as he grows from a toddler to young adulthood. Each stage of his life brings different requests for “five more minutes,” symbolizing the inevitable changes in their relationship. While the mother cherishes these fleeting moments, she acknowledges the bittersweet nature of growing up and the transition to independence.