Masters of Manipulation

For a few days, we had to fight a good fight while Parker adjusted to The Big Boy Bed.

We have learned that there will be no new idea or change that occurs without some back-lash – kind of like the kick-back after shooting a gun.

Parker would try to hold me down on his bed, not wanting me to leave. He would hang on to me. He would lie on the floor and cry. He would scream, “Mommy, help me!” over and over.

All of this served to rake my emotions over the coals of hell, making me wonder, “Did we do this the right way?” “Is he ready for this?” “Are we cruel people for making him sleep in his room?” “Should I trade in the husband so the maniac can sleep with me?”

As if all of this wasn’t hard enough, Parker pulled out the big guns one night. I was holding him as he whimpered, getting ready to say good night. Parker reached his hand down to my stomach and said, “Mommy, I want back in your tummy!”

Ohhh. I melted. I felt so bad for him! He must NEED his mommy!

I know that other moms out there may think, “Hell no! My tummy’s the last place I want you!” But, is it strange of me to think that I sometimes want the same thing?

I thought to myself, Yes, Parker, I could have you in my tummy again warm and safe and tucked away, and we could both go lay down and go to bed.

Those kids, man. Masters at manipulation. They know JUST what to say to push the right button.

But, I’m no sucker. I didn’t let it work. I did what any other smart mom would do. I made my husband put him to bed for a few nights.

Now, I am again back at the bedtime duty without any emotional warfare going on. We are all sleeping peacefully in our own space with no more pre-bed battle cries or regression to fetus stage.

Until the next thing comes along, this parenting hurdle can be considered jumped.

Manipulation in Progress