Snuggle with Your Kids

One of my fondest memories growing up are the special nighttime bonding times I spent with my daddy as he tucked me into bed at night. We’d talk, talk some more, open up my heart, pray together, and just spend quality time together. Growing up in a family of 8 children, alone time with my Papa was extra special. I treasure these times. Nothing fancy, no money spent, just quality snuggle time. Sometimes it might include a lovely back scratch. Oh…I love those. To this day, a back scratch is one of my favorite things.

“Mom, can we snuggle?” My son Titus asks. Bleary-eyed, I tuck my children into bed with a kiss and a prayer. In my mind, I’m reflecting on all the exhausting events of the day. My own warm bed is calling me, my ice cold feet longing to be wrapped in a heating pad, my back longing for a nice relaxing scratch. It’s a nightly selfish struggle. From the other side of the room, my girls, who share a bed, plead, “But it’s our turn?”

Then I remember those fond memories of my childhood, and I say, “Yes.” I lay down beside my son, and he begins a long detailed report of what he wants to do for his 10th birthday (a special event at our home), from foods to be served, to activities and games to be played. What about my friends with special diets? What about this? What about that? He just longs to have a listening ear as he communicates his enthusiasm.

It’s such a little thing. And yet it means the world to them. It’s a time in the quiet where we can snuggle and whisper, “I love you.” It’s the perfect time to declare, “I’m so proud of you. Thanks for serving in this way today.” Or some other encouragement I can offer to feed love into their little hearts. Sometimes no words need to be spoken, as they rest their head on my chest, and we snuggle warm and tight. They just want to know they are safe.

I want to knit the love strings of their hearts to mine. I want them to feel safe in my presence, a comforting secure place to share their hearts longings and desires.

Snuggle with your kids. It doesn’t have to be every night. And it’s okay to take turns between littles. We certainly do. It’s a little thing, but it’s worth its weight in gold.