A few weeks ago during our bedtime routine Chuna didn't get something she wanted. As a result she started to make her way down the path of meltdown USA. It had been a long day and I was in no mood for what was about to head our way. I looked at Chuna square in the eyes and said "Chuna, don't start it" and miraculously she stopped, and then had a small hint of a smile which confirmed for me that she was "faking it" for lack of a better term.
Fast forward to one week ago. We were once again in the middle of our bedtime routine when Chuna looked at me and said "Mom I'm going to start it". It took me a second to catch on to what she was saying, but once I did I burst out laughing. I told her "Oh really? You're going to start it are you?" she laughed and said "Yup I'm going to start it, see" and then she licked her finger and wiped it under her eyes, as if to simulate tears, and then went into a fake cry...It was hilarious.
Then three nights ago, after a particularly rough day Chuna told me she was going to "start it" because she couldn't fall asleep. I said "oh no you're not, there is no "starting it" tonight. Instead I want you to say "I Love Me" and repeat it until you fall asleep".
I have no idea where this came from, I was desparate for a peaceful bedtime and it was the first thing out of my mouth.
She said it, again and again...I Love Me...I Love Me....Then she closed her eyes and said it some more...I Love Me...I Love Me..I Lov.....until she fell asleep.
I thought "holy cow it actually worked"
Three nights later and it is as if she can't wait to get into bed because no sooner have we finished with our bedtime prayers, our goodnights, our I am So Beautiful routine she immediately goes into "I Love Me" and is asleep within 5 minutes. And she smiles the entire time...
Friends, when you parent little angels who are hurt, the days and nights can be so, so very hard. You can feel overwhelmed, unsure of your parenting ability, frustrated and angry, and defeated.
But then you see something so beautiful, such as your precious baby taking joy in her own heartfelt affirmations and it makes it all so worth it.
I am so incredibly blessed.....
