Two days ago Levi had trouble at bedtime. He’s always been
the night owl, and no matter how tired he seems, he always seems to get a burst
of energy and wildness right at bedtime. This leads to some rough bedtime
routines. On this particular night I told him I wouldn’t sing him a song
(current favorite is Wheels on the Bus while scratching his back). He burst
into tears & was very upset. I relented and said, “Ok, since you didn’t
know that’d be the consequence, we’ll sing tonight. But, know in the future if
you don’t get ready for bed when told, there will be no song.” Ok.
Next day there is again trouble at bedtime, mainly not
following directions or cooperating. Wildness. I gave him a warning about no
song. To that he matter of factly responded, “that’s fine, I don’t want one.”
Really? The same consequence that brought on a flood of tears the night before
now makes no difference to him? This is one example of how he challenges us as
parents. Just when we think we have a plan for reigning in unruly behavior, he
changes the game somehow. After putting him back to bed several times, I locked
him in his room. He pressed his little face to the door crack as I was walking
away & said calmly, “Fine, then I’ll just peel the paint off the wall.” And
he did. Never afraid to up the ante and always seems to be aware of how to push
my buttons!
And although Levi has a “classic” mischievous, wild,
rambunctious side, he also has a “classic” super sweet side. Today my boy was
full of sweetness. “Mom, I love this dinner! This is one of my best dinners!
You did such a good job; I’m going to tell you something you’ll really like… (wait
for it) I love you. I’ll tell you too Dad. I love you. I put my plate in the
sink, may I be excused? And now I’ll give you a kiss…even 3 kisses! Mom, do you
want to sit with me on the couch?” Sure! And at that, he snuggled up with me on
the couch, patted my belly, and I remembered just how easy it can be to love
this boy.
