My daughter is close to moving into her own big-kid bed, but for now she is still sleeping in a crib. As such, she calls out “Daddy, I’m awake!” in the A.M. and then, as has been tradition since a very early age, we three snuggle in bed for a good long while (although this can never really last long enough!). It is the best part of the day, without a doubt. We have a couple games we like to play in bed which are fun and help to extend this amazing time we share as a family.
The Baby Animal Game
Our girl will hide down in the blankets and make animals sounds. We act surprised to hear an animal in bed with us and try to guess which animal she is pretending to be. If correct, she will appear and snuggle in close to me. I will ask Mommy if we can keep the baby animal. Naturally, I am always allowed to keep the baby monkey, seal, bunny, cat, mouse or stingray making my girl extremely happy and even more lovable. OK, yes I admit it – this is a game designed for maximum lovey-dovey time for daddy and daughter, which is 100% fine with this father!
Story Time
Being nearly three my girl enjoys reading to and making up stories for her stuffed animals and dolls. She loves doing this in the early morning, while still snug in our bed. She will gather up 5-7 friends, line them up between her Mother and I, then sit down with a few books to begin story time. She asks her friends if they are ready and repeats a lot of what she hears at daycare and at home: “sit still”, “stop pushing”, “shhhh”. She scolds and consoles, is firm but gentle and tells her tales through the wide-eyed lens of a two year old. It is equal parts brilliant, silly and adorable. Tears of sheer joy fall while I listen to her “read”, and I am helpless to defend myself from the emotion that swells up inside me. How many ways can you tell a child that you love them?
So tomorrow morning, or the next morning of a day that does not require a quick start, take some time to snuggle up and play in bed. Try the two ideas above or take something your child already enjoys and bring that activity into bed. You will not regret it!
Do you have some early morning rituals you wish to share?
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