Picking Food Up Off The Floor

The Evolution of Naptime

As with all things that evolve, getting back to a good naptime has been a slow and arduous process. About a year ago, the afternoon bedtime became a fight. A fight so bad that I was often left in tears or at least visibly shaken. I knew they needed a nap and I needed some time to myself. If I left them in their room alone, they would fight, throw toys, jump on the beds, pretty much anything possible to prevent even the smallest chance of a nap. So I spent hours in the room with them, singing, patting, holding them down at some points, and even yelling and spanking. Finally I decided it wasn’t worth it to any of us, they weren’t getting the sleep they needed and I certainly wasn’t getting the break I needed. So I decided to call on the computer for help, or rather the DVD player in the computer. I try to limit the boys’ video watching, but I also think that videos aren’t all that bad. In fact I’ve seen videos inspire imagination and creativity in the boys…but I digress. I gave in, and put them each down on opposite ends of the futon in the spare room, put our old computer up on the dresser and popped in a video. It varied from minutes to one episode of Backyardigans until the boys were fast asleep. Bran didn’t always sleep, but he always stayed on the couch until video was over, which gave me a good hour to myself. In May I moved the boys to a quiet time routine. They each go to a separate room, either the spare room which has a futon in it, or their room, and we swap every other day who goes where. There’s no video and no loud playing. They can play with their toys quietly or read. They can also listen to music or books on tape. They also usually still get a soother during this time, but that will be changing soon. There was some argument at first about not watching a video and who got which room, but after they realized that the next day they would get the room they wanted it was much better. Now they willingly go to quiet time (usually ), play for a little bit and/or read some books. About 98% of the time they’re each asleep within 15-20 minutes. I give them 1-hour of quiet time so if they don’t fall asleep then they come out after 1-hour. And usually there is no argument about how long they are in there. If they do fall asleep, it’s usually for about an hour or hour and a half, which means I get a good 1 1/2 – 2 hours of quiet time, sometimes more depending on when they fall asleep! It’s also been great for them to get some time alone and to take a break from being together. I’m also glad they are getting the nap they need.

Now if I only bedtime was going this well!

Posted under: Drew & Bran