Bed time rituals

Somewhere along the line we have created quite the routine for bedtime. I suppose it occurs with hyper-concrete children who assume once something is done one time it becomes "always" done.  Both kids have similar routines, and both don't like variability.

So what's the routine? PJs on, teeth brushing then hugs and kisses to all family members in the house.  Once in the bedroom they pick out 3 books to read. After the book reading it's time to sings 1 song and say a prayer.  For Tess, who's older and more scared these days of monsters, she also has convinced us to lay with her for a few minutes.

We certainly don't stay in the room until she is asleep - however occasionally this does occur.  She is very aware of our leaving and recently has incorporated a sleeping repose that includes holding our hands. Even when I attempted, like on this night, to remove my hand from hers- in her half sleep state she grabbed onto my sweater as her security blanket.

I am aware enough of life to know this concrete show of trust and dependency will not last forever...so while I may have dishes to clean and a house to pick up, I try to enjoy this nightly ritual, especially the "clinging" too pictured above.