Dane is a middle of the night waker. Always has been. And I, as his mother, have always handled it in stride.
But with Grant’s arrival into our home…and the nightly awakenings he introduced into my schedule, I came to the conclusion that I needed a change.
I mentioned the dilemma to my friends last week and one reminded me that I had given her the suggestion last year of writing a book. One in which her child would be the hero who was able to valiantly conquer the problem at hand. Brilliant! I remembered writing books like these before I had children while I was working as a school psychologist. The books always worked quite well in handling every issue from fire drill panic to separation anxiety.
So, Dane and I went to work writing a story book. He helped me illustrate each page and was completely fascinated by the words that spilled out on paper regarding none other than he!
Amazingly, and even a bit shockingly, this book has managed to curb Dane’s nightly wakings! I am so thrilled!! We read every night and visualize the positive outcome. He feels empowered and proud of himself. So easy to do that I’m now considering writing one on obedience for Evelyn. Wish me luck!
And for your reading pleasure, here is Dane’s story:
Once there was a boy named Dane Edward Marston. Dane was a BIG boy. He knew how to go potty on the toilet. He knew how to take great care of his baby brother. He even knew how to ride a scooter and subway train.
Although he was big and brave, there was one problem Big Boy Dane had each and every night. It wasn’t that he couldn’t fall asleep when mom and dad tucked him in. Oh, he knew how to do that alright! The problem happened in the middle of the night. Sadly, Dane would wake up and cry for his mamma and daddy. He was scared.
Dane’s Mama was tired. She had baby Grant to tend to in the middle of the night and did not have enough energy to wake up with Dane too! She wanted Dane to be a big boy and fall back to sleep.
But Dane was just too upset for that. so Mama decided to give Dane a special night light and a special friend to sleep with. The friend was strong and brave. His name was Billy Bob.
Dane was excited about Mama’s idea. He wanted to sleep with his night light and special Billy Bob. So, that night Dane tucked Billy Bob into bed, kissed mama and daddy goodnight and then fell asleep. In the middle of the night, Dane woke up as he always did. BUT, he remembered Billy Bob was there to protect him. He remembered the special night light. He remembered that Mom and Dad were right next door and Evelyn was asleep in the bunk above him. Dane was not scared! He didn’t even cry! Dane was alright and so he turned over and fell back asleep.
The next morning, Dane woke up and felt so happy with himself. He had earned a sticker for his sticker chart and he knew that when he had earned 4 stickers, he would get to go to ice cream with his Daddy! Yay for Dane!!! He is the Big Boy who stayed in his bed all night.
Yay for BillyBob!!!
THE END
