While putting Cordy to bed:
Cordy: I can’t go to sleep. I’m scared.
Aaron: What are you scared of?
Cordy: I’m scared I won’t ever wake up again.
How do you respond to THAT?
Edited to add: Many of you asked how we responded. I think we mumbled something about how she will always wake up in the morning and we’ll eat waffles just like we always do. I mean, really, who expects that from a three year old?
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One thing Cordy certainly isn’t scared of is trains. I’m reviewing the new Thomas & Friends – Engines & Escapades
Um, by breaking down and sobbing hysterically?
That would be my response.
My reaction to those type of comments is to lie. That’s right, I LIE TO MY SMALL CHILDREN.
oh my god. and i thought we had trouble when isabella didn’t want to sleep because she thought humpty dumpty was in her room. this is so much worse!!! gah! how did you answer?!?!
Oh, Cordy… She’s so young, you can just lie to her and say that she’ll definitely wake again because you’re the mom and you know so. But prepare yourself for when she’s older. How do you WANT to answer it? What do you believe?
Justin and Evan have both had periodic preoccupations with death, and afterlife. We discuss it in the car, while eating breakfast, etc. I’m glad that I have ironed out what I believe, to a certain extent. And that they are understanding of it and believe similar thoughts. I remember Justin wanting to know only ONE thing when he was 3 or so: Did God play Candyland and Chess?
i have no idea how i’d even begin to react let alone explain it! i am sure it was a fluke and maybe it won’t come up again. good luck.
I confess, this one still scares me on some nights!Maybe just smile and say, “If you aren’t awake when I wake up, I’ll get you up myself!”
I’m with some of the other parents on this one. I would just tell her that of course she’ll wake up the next morning because she has so many fun things to do with her mom, dad, and sister. We can deal with the scary stuff when they’re older and more able to handle it.
OH! Wow. That’s deep from a parent’s perspective! I’d appeal to logic: ask him “Have you ever NOT woken up before?” “No.” “Then you have no reason to think you won’t wake up this time. Go to sleep.” He might not be thinking what we are all thinking – just overanalyzing as parents. Just my thoughts!
Wow. Nothing like a shot of reality before bedtime!
That knocked the wind out of me…what DID Aaron say?!
I await this question from my own child in terror.
I remember quite clearly being about five or six or so and spending an entire month afraid to fall asleep each night because I was terrified I wouldn’t wake up in the morning. Nothing my mother could say made me feel better about it. Eventually I think my brain just got tired of worrying over it and moved on to dreading something else (like showing up at school with my pants on backwards, or something).
Oh wow. How DID you respond to that one? I remember having that same fear as a child. And I can’t say I still don’t have that fear now sometimes.
Jane, Pinks & Blues
Oh wow. How DID you respond to that one? I remember having that same fear as a child. And I can’t say I still don’t have that fear now sometimes.
Jane, Pinks & Blues
I really think that 3 years old is the age of worry for kids. Dawson is suddenly afraid of certain T.V. shows he normally loves. Like the other day he told me he was scared of Yo! Gabba! Gabba!
I think it’s good for Cordy to be able to express her feelings. How did you answer that? I’m just curious.
Wow. I would try and think of the positive – at least he sounds really, really smart.
Ouch.
This is one of those conversations I never want to have. But as a person who sprays “anti-monster” spray around her daughter’s room, you can bet that I would lie.
Oh, I love those questions. NOT!
They are usually thrown at me in the car…
I would cry … cry and cry!
Please tell me what you did say?!
It sounds like the girl has been watching too many “Nightmare on Elm Street” films.