There’s something about words spoken in a certain cadence… something that comes only from a memorized book or poem. The words have the ability to instantly conjure a particular mood or tone that needs to be invoked. Which is really what they’re for, but it’s always fascinating to see it in action.
When Brock was a tiny baby, pouting or yelling from his car seat behind me, I found that I could immediately settle him by reciting Dr. Seuss’s alphabet book (nevermind some of the issues I’ve now realized I have with Dr. Seuss).
Now, as a toddler, Brock is instantly soothed and ready for bed when he hears these few words come from my mouth: “In the great green room, there was a telephone and red balloon…” He lies down on the floor, ready to be changed… “…and a picture of – a cow, jumping over the moon.” He grabs the book, seeks out every detail in the drawings. “And there were three little bears, sitting on chairs…”
By the time we reach, “Goodnight noises everywhere,” his diaper is changed, a clean shirt on, and he’s ready to be set down in his crib. (Lately, in the middle of the book, he’s taken to pointing to the mommy bunny in the rocking chair and saying along with her, “husshhh,” which is unspeakably precious.)
Goodnight Moon was always one of my favorites when I was little. That fireplace in the bedroom, the bunnies, the cozy socks and mittens drying by the flames. (A dangerous room for a child, no? I still LOVE it.) The pictures were so simple, but transported me quickly to a mindspace where I could relax. In fact, it works for me now, as I recite the book to Brock. Sometimes those night-time changes (handled primarily by my husband) are rough – we’re all wound up because Brock doesn’t want to let go of the day. It can be rough. But the intro text, when recited gently, calms everyone down.
A nice way to put my son down for sleep – with my own favorite book. I love the tradition of that, and it’s one of my great joys, even if the rest of the day has been hard.
Photo from http://100bookseverychildshouldreadbeforegrowingup.files.wordpress.com/
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.