How do mothers say good night when they want kiddos to turn out the light?

Does a mom slam her laptop on the floor?

Does she pick up her wine glass and take one sip more?

Does she threaten to take away all the toys if she hears just one more noise?

Does she refill her coffee or yell, “go to bed!”?

Does she lock the door and hang her weary head?

Well, maybe sometimes. But mostly no.

She rubs a back and sings a lullaby, holds a hand and pleads, “don’t cry.”

She gives a kiss and hug tight then softy whispers, “I love you. Good night.”

She tucks in her babe for the fifth time and, if the little is lucky, reads one more book of rhyme, fetches some water or makes a potty stop before tiptoeing out… to online shop?

Soon. First, she checks the monitor or gently puts her ear to the door.

Then it’s to-do lists or exercise, perhaps a cuddle with Daddy before resting dark-circled eyes.

She might pick up the remote or a good book instead, but either way…

It’s. Time. For. Bed.

For moms know bedtime like no other. Good night, good night loving mother.

This post was inspired by Jane Yolen’s popular children’s book “How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?” and my own dark circles thanks to two little dinosaurs.