For many parents, the quiet moments after the kids are tucked in for the night are truly golden. It’s that coveted time when we can finally unwind, free from the demands of little hands and voices. That’s why a recent viral post from a relatable mom struck a chord with so many of us. We’ve all faced similar struggles.
In her touching reflection, Laura Thompson, the witty author behind The Honest Toddler, shared an evening when she had to set aside her own desires for the sake of her young son. She describes the blissful moment when all the kids have finally drifted off to sleep and she can finally enjoy some peace. But then, the unmistakable cry echoes from one of the bedrooms.
We’ve all heard that cry.
Laura writes, “Nighttime is my time. The day is filled with chores, work, and errands, but once the last little one settles into a deep sleep, a new energy courses through me. Silence blankets the house, and I can indulge in whatever I please.” It’s a cherished period, especially when our kids are little. However, when that tranquility is disrupted, the urge to dismiss our child’s request can be overwhelming. Yet, as Laura reflects, sometimes we simply need to be present.
She recounts a moment when her son called out an hour after bedtime. After waiting and listening, she knew he wouldn’t drift back to sleep alone. Despite her inclination to retreat and enjoy her evening, she realized she needed to be there for him.
“Nothing seemed to work, and I felt the familiar frustration bubbling up. I didn’t want to be in his room, wrestling with the most challenging version of him. All I wanted was to lie down with a good book, binge-watch my favorite show, or even indulge in a snack I shouldn’t have. I deserved that time. But what if he woke up the others? The only thing worse than one child awake past bedtime is a whole crew of them,” she expressed.
Her feelings are undeniably relatable—who hasn’t felt that way after a long day of catering to our children’s every need? After a challenging evening, we long to collapse on the couch with a glass of wine or a bowl of ice cream and zone out to mindless TV. My partner and I often refer to that cry from the bedroom as “the ultimate betrayal”—as if all our previous efforts throughout the day weren’t enough.
But yes, sometimes they do need us.
As Laura points out, her instinct was to guard her precious alone time, but she soon recognized that this situation was different. So, she embraced it. She was there for her son in his time of need.
“I settled onto the thin rug on the hardwood floor and surrendered—not to him, but to what the moment required. I needed to be there, and I understood that. There was no escaping this, no amount of convincing or bribing would change it. The parenting guides and wise grandparents might suggest otherwise, but deep down, I knew where I was meant to be: right here,” she reflected.
While losing out on evening alone time is tough for any parent, it’s a sacrifice we often make. At times, our children’s needs take precedence over our own, and yes, it can be frustrating. But if we’re honest, we wouldn’t change it for anything. As Laura wisely noted, our kids often impart valuable lessons, and that night, she learned: “Sometimes you just need to sit.”
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In summary, the sacrifices we make as parents, often captured in moments of chaos, remind us of the deeper lessons our children teach us about love, presence, and the importance of being there when it matters most.