We've read it in all the baby books, haven't we? Babies need naps. And at our La Leche League meetings, the leaders always stress the importance of napping when baby naps so that Mama can get her rest too. Even if we are not accustomed to naps as an adult, when your nights have interrupted sleep because the baby needs fed and changed, it will catch up to you. Even Mamas need naps.
When baby grows into a toddler, there comes a certain point when the toddler "out-grows" the need for a nap. Why some kids still nap at age 5 and others are bent to give it up before their 3rd birthday, is something I just don't understand.
Ladybug will be three in May, and she is trying to give up her nap. Most days, it's obvious (to me, at least) that she still NEEDS a nap. She is tired and cranky. But a late nap these days is translating into a late and difficult bedtime. But she still needs a nap. I need the down time in the mid-day and after she goes to bed. (That sounds so selfish, please tell me it's not.)
Here's the new plan.
"Quiet time" is to be every day from 1pm to 3 pm. If she naps, great. If not, she can cuddle with a baby doll and read books. At 3:00, quiet time/nap time is over. If she naps later, bedtime is too frustrating for me. Bedtime begins at 7:00. Yes, that's early. But that includes getting ready for bed, reading stories, bedtime prayers, and hopefully she is asleep by 8:00. That gives me an hour before my brain shuts down.
I've always been an early to bed-early to rise person. I love mornings, and I don't mind if Ladybug shares the mornings with me. However, that means that my ability to think coherently and/or be productive shuts off around 9pm. And I have discovered that if she is up with me at 6am, then I need the nap time and after bedtime to myself. (Again, I sound so selfish.)
So, that's the plan. I really hope it works. I've discovered that while nap time is essential to Ladybug's growth and development, it's also essential to help me be a good Mama.
If you have a child who has out-grown naps, how did you deal with that transition? (Other than a stiff drink) I'd love to hear what worked for you. Thanks.
I don't have a child old enough to be in this stage yet, but I wanted to chime in and say that even with an 11-month old, I cannot function without that mental break in the middle of the day. Those days where Mia refuses to nap (sick, teething, whatever)lead to me being a physical and emotional train wreck by the end of the day. I completely agree that we need a "me break" in order to be a better mommy, wife, and friend.
ReplyDeleteHope your new schedule works for you!
My 18mo is still in naps, but my 4yo was done a little before he turned 3. And I became fine with that b/c like you mentioned, it started messing up his bed time. If he didn't fall asleep before 1, then he wouldn't fall asleep on time for bed. Now, at about 4 1/2, he gets to watch a movie while his sister is napping. I know quiet time & books is probably better but this works as a perfect chill out time for him. He has his juice and about an hour and a half to watch whatever he wants (within reason of course!!!) as opposed to something that Megan also likes. He's also self content during this time so I get to do things like catch up on your blog:)
ReplyDeleteMy 5-year-old gave up naps most days a couple of years ago, but she has a quiet time every day from 2:30-4 - she is a good kid, so that she can occupy her safe well, reading, drawing, doing whatever in her room. Right now my 2 year old son naps at the same time, but as he gets older, who knows?
ReplyDeleteMy kids start the bedtime routine at 7 also, and bedtime is at 8. Roughly. And they're 4 and 6. We believe in letting the kids get a good night sleep, and boy can I tell the difference when they get that good 10-11 hours. Of course, they don't nap anymore...
ReplyDeleteI guess I'm lucky, my 6yo, 4yo, and 2yo all still nap. If the 6yo doesn't need one, he can read or play with his legos.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I love your website! I am a kindergarten teacher so I appreciate naps! Unfortunately the days of lights out, mats on the floor, and eyes shut for 45 minutes are long gone. We are allowed to do a "Quiet Time" after recess which kind of breaks up the day and re-energizes the students (and teacher) for the rest of the long day. So, you can encourage Ladybug that she is doing what the "big kids" do in kindergarten. :)
ReplyDeleteYou're not selfish at all. Every mama needs some time to herself. I'm lucky that I have one of those five year olds that still takes a nap. My problem is that I can't the baby and the five year old to nap at the same time.
ReplyDelete