Naptime just isn't working in our house. At least not for Lucas. He has always been such a good nighttime sleeper, but naps became a challenge starting at age 2 1/2. Some weeks, Lucas sleeps 2 hours everyday and other weeks, he doesn't sleep at all. I feel pretty strongly that kids need to rest during the middle of the day; after hours of play, their little bodies (and emotions) need to be rejuvenated from either a nap or quiet time.
Everyone in the house is effected when Lucas doesn't nap. He is such a grumpy-gus by 5:30, that we find ourselves anticipating bedtime at 7:30. So that is why I'm so determined to find a solution to this little problem. We've tried everything - threats, bribes, punishment; all the things parenting magazines say you aren't supposed to do.
Today we are trying a new nap routine and I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will work. I typically include Ava in our book time before nap, but today I put her down first, so Lucas and I can have some time together. After 15 minutes of reading, I set a timer for another 15 minutes for in-room playtime. Once play time is over, he is expected to put his toys away, turn on the noise machine, and get into bed. I reminded him that if he gets out of bed after that (except to potty, of course) there will be consequences.
So we'll see how this goes. I may be trying something new tomorrow.
Everyone in the house is effected when Lucas doesn't nap. He is such a grumpy-gus by 5:30, that we find ourselves anticipating bedtime at 7:30. So that is why I'm so determined to find a solution to this little problem. We've tried everything - threats, bribes, punishment; all the things parenting magazines say you aren't supposed to do.
Today we are trying a new nap routine and I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will work. I typically include Ava in our book time before nap, but today I put her down first, so Lucas and I can have some time together. After 15 minutes of reading, I set a timer for another 15 minutes for in-room playtime. Once play time is over, he is expected to put his toys away, turn on the noise machine, and get into bed. I reminded him that if he gets out of bed after that (except to potty, of course) there will be consequences.
So we'll see how this goes. I may be trying something new tomorrow.
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