5 Nursery Rhymes to Skip at Bedtime…Or Anytime

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While I’m not a child psychologist, I can confidently say that frightening your little ones right before bed isn’t the best way to ensure they sleep soundly. You wouldn’t soothe your child by recounting chilling tales of abductions or gruesome accidents, right? Yet, many parents casually recite unsettling nursery rhymes without a second thought. Here are five spooky classics you might want to skip during storytime, ensuring a peaceful night for everyone:

1. Good night. Sleep tight. Don’t let the bedbugs bite.
   Imagining creepy crawlies invading your child’s personal space isn’t exactly the warm and fuzzy vibes you want to inspire. Leaving them alone in a dark room with only a nightlight to ward off imaginary bloodsuckers is not the recipe for sweet dreams. Skip this one.
2. Rock-a-bye baby, in the treetop / When the wind blows, the cradle will rock / When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall / And down will come baby, cradle and all.
   The vivid picture of howling winds and plummeting cradles can turn any cozy bedtime into a nightmare. Unless you’re living through a hurricane, let’s leave the scary imagery out of lullabies and let your little one drift off peacefully, without visions of disaster clouding their minds.
3. There was an old lady who swallowed a fly. I don’t know why she swallowed a fly. Perhaps she’ll die. Oh, oh, oh, I know why! I know why she swallowed a fly!
   Innocently enough, this rhyme could lead your child to think that they might accidentally swallow something harmful, leading to a fear of eating or even speaking. Congratulations, you may have just planted a seed of anxiety that could require professional help later on.
4. There was an old woman who lived in a shoe / She had so many children, she didn’t know what to do / She gave them some broth without any bread / Whipped them all soundly, and sent them to bed.
   Who wants to associate bedtime with punishment? The idea of a mother administering discipline rather than love can leave your child feeling insecure. Instead of making kids think about being punished, foster a loving bedtime routine that makes them feel safe and cherished.
5. Peter Peter pumpkin eater / Had a wife and couldn’t keep her! / He put her in a pumpkin shell / And there he kept her very well!
   Storing your spouse in a pumpkin doesn’t exactly scream romance. This rhyme could lead to thoughts of captivity and fear, especially around Halloween. Instead, aim for stories that promote love and safety, so your child isn’t having nightmares about being trapped in a pumpkin patch.

Unless you enjoy watching your child toss and turn, plagued by frightening visions, it might be time to rethink your bedtime stories. Opt for something more lighthearted, like “Pete the Cat,” to keep the mood cheerful.

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In summary, while nursery rhymes can be a delightful part of childhood, some can be downright scary. It’s better to choose stories that foster comfort and security, ensuring a restful night for your little ones.