Since the very early days of our family, we've sung to our kids to get them to sleep. And while some of the four kids have liked the lullabies more than others, all of them have on countless occasions fallen to sleep with mom or dad singing softly to them. We are, in short, lullaby experts.
We've sung the favorites, the popular ones, and even some slightly odd ones that have proven tremendously effective. "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" is one of the best lullabies you'll ever find, and we've used it hundreds of times. This might explain why my kids all fall asleep in the seventh inning of every baseball game they attend, but this is a small price to pay.
We have noticed however that the more a lullaby is used, the less effective it becomes. We've worn out "Hush Little Baby, Don't Say a Word." As soon as we get to "Hush little...," the little kids know we're trying to get them to sleep, and everything falls apart. The last thing you want is for your 10 month old to realize you are trying to get her to sleep. Once she's caught on, forget it, you're sunk. Enjoy your lack of sleep.
So we're trying new lullabies. The big favorite now is "Here I Am to Worship," which seems an odd choice, but it works, so I'm not going to quibble. I'll be watching the kids carefully next time we sing it at church, however.
But there's one lullaby that we only use in extreme situations - "Stay Awake" from the movie Mary Poppins. Best. Lullaby. Ever. It is by far the most powerful, most effective song ever crafted to induce slumber. Do NOT sing this song while your children are standing; it's been known to cause instant sleep and can result in a nasty fall. Lie the children down in their beds, and then and only then is it safe to begin the song. We reserve it for special needs ONLY so as not to reduce its potency.
The other day, I ended up with both my 10 month old AND my 2 year old in my lap - both wound up and excited, but both desperately needing a nap. "Stay awake, don't rest your head ..." - one head begins to bob. "Don't lie down upon your bed ... " - the other sags. "While the moon drifts in the skies ... " - eye closure in 5, 4, 3, ... "Stay awake, don't close your eyes ... " - we have eye closure! One more time through just to make sure. And it is done.
I may make a lot of mistakes as a dad, and I may not have all the answers, but I can take a little pleasure in the art of the perfect lullaby.
--Paul
Posted by paul at January 13, 2004 12:00 PM