Why, oh, why did I have to read this article yesterday?
Because, y’all, believe me when I say that I already feel guilty enough about Nate’s boppy (paci) addiction. I mean, not guilty enough to take it away from him and endure the screaming nights, but still very guilty.
The other kids were paci-free by the time they were two years and two months old (Nate’s age). BUT that’s because they started school and pacis weren’t allowed.
Here are the problems with Nate’s situation: Nate isn’t in school so there’s no external pressure to give it up. Nate LOVES his boppy….he loves it like I love a clearance sale, like Sam loves dessert, like Elisabeth loves a good book. His addiction runs deep. In other words, the kids not letting go without a fight.
But it’s time. He has to take it out to talk. He’s old enough to know how much I hate his screaming (and not getting younger or less aware of that). According to scientists, keeping the paci will make him an emotionally-stilted man.
So, I’m (literally) praying for some help here:
Lord, I need some courage. Totally stomp out all my fear. Help me not be afraid that Nate keeping his pacifier this long has somehow damaged him. Help me not be afraid that taking his paci will also take away my (last) baby. Help me not be afraid of all the naps and nighttimes that I know he’ll scream for it. Lord, just give me so much patience through this process. Cover Nate in Your love, so he reaches for that instead of his paci.
And, please, Lord, let Nate, one day, fall asleep paci-free.
Thanks!
Tina