Ro has recently tried to wean himself off sucking his thumb. But he’s struggling with this old habit:

Ro <can’t sleep, coming out of his bed room after 45min>: I’m sad

me: Poor you. What makes you feel sad?

Ro: I feel lonely.

me: !?!!!?

Ro:  I feel lonely without my Lovies. <“Lovies” is his word for his special stuffed toys that he sleeps with – namely Pluto (also see “Pluto Song”), Sebbi (short for Sebastian, his cat), Waddles the Penguin and a nameless small dog.

me: But all your Lovies are in your room.

Ro: I know, but every time I hug them I suck my thumb!

me: Hmm. That’s hard. I understand. But you can put them on your bottom bunk bed in your room, so you’re not lonely.

Ro <crying>: I can’t – I feel lonely.

me: Then take them and just hug them.

Ro: But then I want to suck my thumb – it feels so good.

me: I know. <in fact I do, I myself still have a bite mark from sucking my thumb from when I was a child> – Let’s make an exception today. It was a long week-end. You can suck your thumb today. Just today. I allow it. It won’t be bad.

Ro: OK. Maybe I can suck it once a week?

<Negotiator!>

me: We’ll see. Now go back to bed. Hug your stuffies. I love you.

Ro: I love you, too, daddy.

<Awwww>.