Wednesday, July 23, 2008

WFMF - Ten Minute Tuck



"The beginning and the end of the performance is what your audience is going to remember the most." is what my performing arts teacher used to tell us day after day when I was in a performance group in high school. She stressed that we try our bests at ALL times, but specifically that we make a good first and last impression in all areas of our lives.


When I had children, I quickly realized that I couldn't be "on" as a Mom 24 hours a day. Who am I kidding? That reality hit before I left the hospital. Ha! However, like all moms, it is my job to be a mom 24 hours, 7 days a week, but it is impossible to be 100% all the time.


I decided that I wanted the last thing my boys to feel before they went to sleep was loved and secure. So we started the "Ten Minute Tuck". After the boys have had their baths, brushed their teeth, and we have said prayers the boys head to their rooms. Hubs and I take turns spending ten minutes with each of our sons and then we switch. Our sons set the agenda for the time we spend with them.


What goes on during the "Ten Minute Tuck"?


1. Music - Right now Little Guy is really into listening to our radio station's Hot List so he loves to lay in bed and chat and talk about what music is being featured and trying decide what music would be on his Hot List.


2. Stories - The boys love to hear stories about when we were growing up or even when they were younger.


3. Tapes/CD's - We just finished a phase of listening to various books on CD and the "Adventures in Odyssey" series.


4. Lots of laughing - The boys love to entertain us with jokes and stories of what has gone on during the day.


5. Hugs and cuddles - My boys are getting older... I'll use any excuse I can get to get my hugs!


6. LISTENING - We try to not talk as much as possible. We try to let the boys set the tone for the ten minutes. It is their time.


7. No lectures - This time is not for discipline or correction. It is an absolutely safe time where the boys can express themselves, be themselves and have our undivided attention.


There are definitely nights when I am exhausted from a full day and I am so ready to just get the boys to bed so I can go get my shower and hit the bed myself. However, no matter how our days are - busy and crazy, fun and full --I feel like I have accomplished something as their Mom if I have been able to tuck them safely into bed and spent that time really listening.

15 comments:

Unknown said...

I love bedtime with my girls... I love their fresh breath and their jammies and I love reading the same story night after night (I truly do)... You're so right about giving our kids that special time... it's all about quality, not quantity...

Dr. Wifey said...

aaawww! you are such a wonderful mommy!

Carrie said...

Dangit, Deanna! I thought you meant "tuck" as in "tummy." I could really use a ten-minute tummy tuck!! " )

Anonymous said...

These are the traditions your boys will bring to their own families. What a great memory you are creating.

From the Doghouse said...

I think that's really cool.

Deanna said...

Lizzy - Reading the same story... If I have ready "I love you Stinky Face" once I have read it 100. Love that book.

Carrie - you find a ten minute tuck and I'm THERE!!

Wifey - You are sweet, but I really just love being a mom.

Frantic - It is really because of my Mom I have such a love of traditions.

Doghouse - Cool is good in this heat.

Unknown said...

I love this idea...I have tried to incorporate this into our routine...but it helps when DH is in on it...so each of them get us one on one at a time...

Unknown said...

I LOVE that routine! How sweet and thoughtful! Bedtime is my favorite time around here.

Thanks for checking out my recipies today!

Jess B said...

I love that idea....except with 4 kids I'd never get to bed! lol! We may have to try an abbreviated version. Thanks!

Unknown said...

Great idea - I love bedtime with my little guy too... thanks for the reminder to finish the day well!

Confessions of A Mississippi Mom said...

tell you this over and over but worth rewriting you are a AWESOME mom!

Deanna said...

Dawn - It just wouldn't be the same without Hubs.

Perez - your recipes looked delish!

Jess - The fact that you can keep up with 4 is amazing to me!

Horne - Thanks!

MsMom - you are such a great encourager to me! You are a great mom too!

Aunt Julie said...

We still have a tradition with my girls, even though they've grown up quite a bit. It's called "The Talk About," where we share details of our days right before bedtime. BTW, don't forget the Great Pop'rs Giveaway! The more you comment, the better chance you have of winning--Check it out!

Jocasta said...

What a wonderful way to end the day. I'm going to take a leaf out of your book and do something similar.

Michele @ Frugal Granola said...

Great tip! What a wonderful idea. Thanks! :)

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