“Mom, can you snuggle with me?”
I glanced at the clock and let out a sigh. It was already 9:30 p.m., and I was completely wiped out. All I wanted was to finish that show with my husband, who I’d barely seen this week. My head was pounding, and I was ready to call it a night after a long week of work and school.
“Why are you still awake? Just do your meditation app, and I’ll come check on you in a minute,” I suggested.
“Please, Mommy,” she pleaded. “You haven’t cuddled with me in forever.”
Looking into her big, round eyes, I noticed the dark circles under them. She was probably feeling just as drained as I was. She was right; it had been ages since I lay down with her at night, but that was because she had never asked. At almost 9 years old, she was facing some challenges at school this year, and her mood swings had been off the charts. We had been using bedtime as a moment to unwind, letting her devour her favorite chapter books instead.
Meanwhile, I still snuggle with her little sister, who is just 5 and super cuddly as she learns to read each evening. I sing her favorite lullabies just like I used to do for her older sister, and we say our prayers. But, I had almost forgotten about those cherished moments with my oldest. I thought she had outgrown them, missing out on our heart-to-heart chats about recess adventures, who sat where at lunch, or her worries and fears. Clearly, I was mistaken; she still craved that time.
So, with some reluctance, I made my way to her room.
I squeezed into her bed, which was almost too small for us both now, and she nestled right into me, holding me tightly like she did when she was a toddler. I caught a whiff of her new peppermint shampoo, replacing the baby wash we used to use. I cherished that moment, feeling her relax and the stress from her day fade away in our embrace.
We listened to her meditation app, and slowly, her breaths became deeper. Within minutes, she was sound asleep.
As I lay there for a few extra moments, it hit me: In a couple of years, she might not ask me to lie down with her anymore. She had already stopped holding my hand when we crossed the street, and the joyful rush to me after school was a thing of the past as she became more aware of her friends’ opinions.
But right then and there, nothing else mattered. These seemingly small moments are the true treasures of motherhood. They remind us of what really counts—not the chores, emails, or notifications on my phone. Just her. Just us. Just this moment. Because this is all we have.
Motherhood is a constant balancing act between our needs and those of our children. Should I focus on work or spend time with my spouse? Prioritize chores or savor playtime? Exercise or binge-watch Netflix? It’s a never-ending tug-of-war over how to spend our precious time and who deserves it more.
But that night, I chose to give her what she needed, and it turned out that was exactly what I needed too.
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Summary
In the hustle and bustle of motherhood, it’s easy to overlook the small moments that truly matter. This article reflects on the importance of snuggling with children, recognizing that these bedtime interactions are the highlights that remind us of what’s important. Even when we’re tired, taking the time to connect can be a mutually healing experience for both parent and child.