Is Papa scary?
My oldest son (OS) has been especially clingy since I returned from New York. We worked very hard over the last year to get him from a wild, anxiety-filled bed time routine that lasted two hours from the time we brushed teeth until he finally fell asleep (with us snuggled in bed with him) to a quick half an hour routine that peacefully ended with a bedtime story, a lullaby or two, a kiss/hug, turning out the lights and leaving him to quietly relax until he fell asleep.
The last few weeks have been a few steps backward. I have been tucking him in, snuggling, and singing to him for about 20 minutes before I can leave him in bed. On Friday, we had a conversation that broke my heart. It was about time for me to get up and leave him in bed. He was resting calmly, and hadn’t spoken for a few minutes. I moved to get up and he said in a rather desperate voice, “No! Don’t run away!”
Me: It’s okay bud, I am just going to the other room.”
OS: To sit with Papa?
Me: Yeah, to sit with Papa.
OS: Is Papa scary?
Me: *Pause to collect my thoughts* Do you think Papa is scary?
OS: Yeah
Me: Are you afraid of Papa?
OS: Yeah, I am afraid. He’s scary.
Me: What are you afraid of?
OS: I am afraid.
Me: Why, bud? What are you afraid of?
OS: Papa is going to come spank me if you leave.
Grey’s anatomy Season 14 Episode 24
“…those studies have shown that staying an unhappy marriage is the worst thing you can do for your heath and for your children. So better health is a direct result of healthy relationships. You don’t need a spouse. You just need someone you can trust. You need someone you can talk to. You need someone who can celebrate your wins and grieve your losses. You need someone who can forgive you. You need someone who will show up, no questions asked, and walk with you through every unexpected twist and turn life throws your way.”