Getting a good night's sleep

So many times, I have seen people fight their children to stay in their rooms for naps, once children have become toddlers. We forget that this is a stepping stone stage from infancy to child. Each child is different. Some continue to nap while others, starting at 2 years old, beginning breaking their cycle.

Our second child broke the cycle before she was 2. It happens overnight, just like that. I think part of it was, she didn’t want to miss a single minute of being with her older sister. She is 13 now, and her personality is exactly THAT! Plus, this kid is a night owl inside and out, but wants to sleep all morning. Read on and you will see what this second child did.

What really happens here is YOU need their nap time. However, by the time they become toddlers, your free time is over.

During this stage, what always worked for me, (and with my help, is working for our neighbors)JUST FORGET THE NAP PART and have a quiet play time period….On days they don’t feel well, you will see that they sack out. Other days, they will zip through it fine. Do whatever works for your style or home. Maybe it will be, take out their little sleeping bag an pop Child’s DVD in, plus give them some books to look at while this is on. YOU LEAVE THE AREA, because this is their alone time for quiet play. So what if they get up and push a truck around or something, as long as they stay in the area. It’s a no fuss time from either one of you. You can tell them that when the DVD is over, quiet play time is up, you will prepare a delicous snack for them. The bright side of all of this, no nap stuff is….this is the time when children begin learning how to entertain themselves without you doing it all for them, all of the time.

Now remember, a well balanced dinner. Make it available to them, but DON’T make them eat it! Remember, if you don’t like the taste of something, you are probably allergic to it. It’s your own body’s way of telling you to stay away from it. So, they may be allergic to a particular food, which can easily make a child irritible or not feeling wel, etc.,food allergens can also give children mood swings. Toddlers love to pick up foods and dip them, like salad items in dressing, and other foods in ketchup, etc. Make the balance of foods fun for them, so dinner is calm and enjoyable for everyone.

Evening play should be calm, NOT crazy and running and never chasing or tickling. This energizes your child so they can’t fall asleep! Don’t do this type of play. Save it for morning or after their afternoon quiet play period.

I don’t care what affair or event you have to attend, ALWAYS…make sure they have an early bedtime…compared to the time they either must wake up or if permitted, they wake up on their own. (Mine were in bed between 7:30 and 8:00 at night. Your child must stay on schedule always! This child always comes first. You will be a happier camper.

The first child was an early riser and from birth required little sleep, so the first child was up each day between 4:30-5:30, until she was about 3 or so. The second child slept the full 12 hours and then some if you let her! Totally opposite, but she was NEVER a napper, even before 2 years old! Our neighbor’s child who is 3, (no naps since 2 years old), in bed by 8:00 PM and sleeps until 6:30 AM.

I hope this was somewhat helpful to you. I know how desperately you need that afternoon time to yourself. Hopefully, you can work it out, where your child can entertain themselves during that time as you peek in on them, and you can take a little break yourself. You deserve it!

Good Luck!

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