So, I teach lessons all afternoon on Thursdays which usually works well because that’s when Chance naps.
However, after my first lesson today, Chance was still awake (probably because of the gigantic poop in his pull-up… GROSS!).
Here was our conversation after I changed his pants:
Chance: Mommy… I’m awake now. No more nap.
Me: Oh no, honey… you’ve only been up here for an hour and I know you haven’t slept.
Chance: But I’m awake. No nap. Please!
Me: I need you to sleep because you’ll be grumpy later if you don’t.
Chance: *tears starting* I’m not grumpy. I’m awake.
Me: Mommy still has lessons to teach. You need to sleep.
Chance: *tears*
Me: If I give you some Veggie Chips and water, will you go to sleep afterwards?
Chance: *tears stop* Yes.
So, that’s what I did. A small cup of chips and sippy of water helps me get on with my day.
I can hear him crunching away in his room right now.
What have you resorted to in order to get your child to nap???
Our daughter Kyra is 2 1/2, and like Chance, sometimes seems to think she doesn’t need to nap anymore.
My wise pediatrician told me once, though, when Kyra was much younger, and wouldn’t always fall asleep during nap time, “Well, quiet/rest/alone time is valuable too.”
So we’ve gone to calling the afternoon “naptime”, quiet or rest time. We start out by tucking her into her bed, but then she knows she can get out of bed and read books, or play with toys, as long as she’s quiet. I also put the gate up in her doorway, so I know she’ll stay in there, and I can get some work/play done.
Lots of times I have found her a half hour later, curled up in her bed or on the floor. It seems to quell the power struggles because she’s sleeping on her own terms–sheer exhaustion, and not Mommy telling her too
And the days she doesn’t sleep at all?? Can you say early bedtime?
Hang in there my friend!
k~
i have nothing of real value to add to this conversation because, well, i’m not a parent. but i sure do think you’re cute.
I recommend laying down with him and letting him sleep on your face
btw- i miss your face
yes.. this is how Jason helps gets me to do things too… food bribery always works.. but then again.. I don’t know if this is good advice.. since I am odd.. and odd measure may not apply (or be healthy) for normal folk.. er.. or for crazy folk either. I need to go to sleep now. Bur first.. a sippy of water!
A strong sedative. Like the kind they use for elephants.