The nest.
It’s comforting,
the nest.
It has been a tradition in our house.
Each of the kids, in their younger years
and still sometimes now,
if they’re hurt
or sad
or sick
we build them a nest.
Pillows and blankets,
solace and warmth
fashioned into circular swirls of support
all on the the floor
beside the place where the home parent is.
Sometimes it’s on the lounge.
Sometimes built up on the kitchen table
but always the same -
a tangle of textiles,
and love.
At times, food and fluids are placed within the nest, along with the mini dvd player and toys,
there are always lots of toys.
The nest is mostly a solitary place.
Time for the little bird to mend
but sometimes others come to sit
or snuggle
or watch
or comfort.
It’s something we’ve always done
and something they’ve always loved
and in some small way
I like to think
it helps them to heal.
I love that idea, Tiff. Consider it stolen.XO
What a lovely way to make your chidren feel special when they are feeling sad, hurt or sick.
My six-year-old came home from school with an earache today. I might give it a whirl.
Thanks,
Shelly
That is so beautiful.
I used to have the kids bundled up near me when they were ill, but never in my wildest dreams thought to make a nest.
You are an awesome mum. Seriously.
Fabulous idea……..
I have to pinch it!!!
A comfort nest!! That’s such a sweet idea. I bet it becomes a tradition handed down through generations.
That is such an awesomely simple thing, but it must make the world of difference!
Such a lovely, warm place of comfort. A fantastic idea.
That is such a sweet idea, I may steal it for my own kids.
x
What a sweet way to nurture your babes.
This made me smile! We do the same in our house, as my mom did for me growing up. We call it the “pallet” (I think calling it a “nest” is much cuter!). There’s always at least 2 pillows and 2 blankets, an array of Barbie’s and sippy cups and books, maybe a DVD cover or two and no fewer than 2 dogs. It’s so inviting that I or my husband will be sucked into the comfiness of it. It heals. I truly believe that! So caring, Tiff. You’re so caring and compassionate and strong. I admire you! You have much love and hugs from the States! ~Liz
I do that, too. Make them a special little nest on the couch so they can still be near everyone else, but have some much-needed comfort (it’s also the only time mine are allowed to eat or drink on the non-dining-room-table-and-chairs furniture). I think it makes them feel especially loved and helps them heal, that little extra bit of care and pampering. You’re such a great mom
I just wish Ivy wasn’t needing the nest again so soon. Praying for you and your family.
My parents used to do something similar for us when we were sick. They would get all of the blankets and pillows that were free and build us a sick pallet. That’s where we stayed until we were better. When Max is sick, we tend to get all the blankets and pillows out too. Maybe it’s our animal nature to take care of our young.
I hope Ivy is feeling better soon.
Lovely and sweet idea, and a beautiful picture of little Ivy. I hope your little bird is well enough to fly out of that nest soon. We need Ivy the ballarina back.
Of course their own private space for rest & recuperation, made with such loving care, is going to help the healing process. What an absolutely beautiful tradition. xoxo
Gorgeous idea. I love this and love that you call it a nest.
It’s so funny to read this, because my daughter started doing this for my son, out of the blue. He LOVES it, makes him feel special, comforted, etc. Love the idea to do this when they need extra support and love.
Miss 4 quite often makes herself a nest when she’s tired. She uses all her old baby blankets and always has her 2 favourite dolls. I’m usually sighing and nagging her about getting out all the blankets but from now on I will encourage her ‘nest dwelling’ as I think you may be on to something here xoxox
Oh that’s wonderful. I learned to build my own “nest” as a child to get myself to fall asleep and still do something similar on occasion!
Keep blogging. Don’t let them get to you enough that you stop. They’re not worth it.
Your words spin to make that place we tuck our sick ones while they are unwell, sound so inviting and heavenly. The photo of Ivy… so precious. I just want to smooch that little nose and tell her it will all be okay.