Wee-Willie-Winkie

When you were growing up, did you ever hear the rhyme "Wee-Willy-Winkie"?

Wee Willie Winkie runs through the town

Upstairs and downstairs in his nightgown

Rapping at the windows, crying through the lock,

"Are your children in their beds?  For now it's eight o'clock!"

I recited that last night to Miss Grace because her bed time is at eight.  Typically I hear some story about how she is not tired yet, she needs more dinner, wants to have a treat, or some other such excuse not to go to sleep.  I've started explaining to her that her bed time is at eight, so that if it is later than that I can say, "Grace, it's already 9:00, an hour past your bed time!"  This will teach her about time, and reinforce the idea that nine comes after eight, etc.  I'm a fan of explaining what will happen at different times of day, so she can learn how to have a reference for events happening.

Anyway, the funny part of the story!  I walked into Miss G's room this morning to get her up, and first thing she says to me is, "Mom, Wee Willie Winkie didn't come!"

"No, honey.  Wee Willie Winkie comes to ask the parents if their children are in their beds, he doesn't come and ask the children."