In a post shared on Mumsnet, user Dogghee, wrote that she wakes up at 6.30 a.m. during the week and would like to sleep in on the weekend. But her children, aged 11 and 14 years old, wake her up to say hello on their way back from the toilet.
Once the original poster woke up, she “cannot get back to sleep,” while her husband “could be woken up by a brass band and be fast asleep again in 3 minutes.”
The woman added: “I know it’s cute but then I’m wide awake while they either go back to sleep or downstairs.”
The post continued: “Would it be unreasonable to ask them to please not come in unless it’s important? They literally just come in to say good morning at 7 to 8 am then I don’t see them again till 11 am when they come out of their room.”
The original poster writes that she would be happy with a lie-in until 9 a.m. but she feels “bad” because her 11-year-old son just gives her a kiss to say hello.
UK-based accredited psychotherapist Peace Anumah, who owns Piece Into Peace Therapy practice, told Newsweek: “As the post is referring to older children, the likelihood of a negative impact on the children is slim to none. The children also seem to have already developed a healthy attachment with her.
“Parents with children under eight must be careful about enforcing such rules of ‘banning a child’ from their room. Because children under the age of eight go through a phase of night terrors, sleepwalking, nightmares and more. They must be reassured that it is OK to come to you whenever they need you.”
Anumah added: “Understandably, the mother in the article needs some time alone in the mornings. But instead of using the term ‘banning,’ which has a negative connotation, perhaps use different words, like, ‘mummy’s quiet time.’
“Having a conversation before enforcing the ‘quiet time’ will help the children understand why. Ensure they have an activity or two to occupy them during ‘mummy’s quiet time.’ They can also give ideas about what type of activities they can do during this period.
“After the quiet time, they must reconnect with the mother, e.g., 10 minutes’ cuddle time in bed with mum or hang out around the dinner table to chat about how their night was,” Anumah said.
What Did Other Mumsnet Users Say?
The post has divided the internet as the poll is in favor and voted “you are not being unreasonable,” yet commenters have encouraged the poster to enjoy it while it lasts.
“I would say don’t ask them. It won’t be for much longer and I think their closeness to you will stand you in good stead for future challenges,” wrote one Mumsnet user.
Another commented: “I miss my darling son running in for a cuddle so much. I know it’s a pain at the time but you really will miss it when it stops.”
“It is very cute that your kids come in to say hi to you in the morning, but they are old enough to understand that you don’t want to be woken. Just ask them nicely to wake you up (preferably with a cuppa) at 10 am if you’re not already up,” wrote another.
Newsweek was not able to verify the details of the case.
