I've officially, finally given up. Ellie has refused to take a single nap for a few weeks now, and prior to that, it was once in a very rare while. But she's only two years and seven months old. The so-called "experts" say that kids should nap until they're at least four. Four! I wonder how they recommend getting the defiant kid-in-question down to sleep. Tranquilizers? Chloroform? Here's what happens when I put Ellie down for a nap, or "quiet time," as we've started calling it (in an attempt to put no pressure on her to actually fall asleep.) You may have to turn up the volume on your computer to hear all the singing and various bangs and thumps, but I assure you, in person she is loud and clear!
On top of Ellie's all out nap-strike, Zoey takes no daytime nap that lasts longer than 20-30 minutes, but she seems to need about 10 of these in order to squelch her fussiness (again, experts would probably say to try to consolidate these catnaps into a few longer ones, but I really don't know how to negotiate with a yawning, screaming infant who wants to sleep NOW!) I can't complain though; at night she's a sound sleeper and I know I'm spoiled. But the "me-time" breaks I've always envisioned, with the two kids nestled in their beds simultaneously for nice long naps, while I curl up on the couch with a cup of tea and a good book, are probably not going to come true for this exhausted Mama. Yawn!
Oh sweetie. Throw away all your visions of how it is going to be and strap in for the real ride. I had three in diapers. I don't think I got a nap for 18 years. Good luck. :)
ReplyDeleteHugs from the Zavoina's, Kathy and Chris
You will get a nap in a week when I am there to spoil the heck out of those little ones. I will be inseparable from them and good luck dragging me away. But this means you can sneak away for a nap perhaps... :)
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard giving up on those naps...sad day indeed. :(
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