Sleep is as precious as gold or diamonds in this house… more so, actually. Mosly because we aren’t getting as much as we would like. Piper gave up her naps before Christmas. This was mostly our decision, since we decided that we didn’t want to have the nap battle over the holidays. Then that extended right on through the new year and it’s actually been quite good.
It has made bedtime a frackin dream! Our bedtime routine changed instantly and become, well, almost enjoyable! With no nap, Piper is ready for bed by 7:00 and sleeping within 15 or 20 minutes with NO crying… I never believed that it could be that good. It also changed the amount of time that she slept in our bed. She usually does not arrive in our bed until well after midnight. I absolutely refused to pinch myself just in case this was all just a dream.
Fast forward to yesterday. Piper was down right cranky and I was about to lose my mind. We were just not having a good morning and I informed her that she would, in fact, be napping. If only to spend that time in her room and give us both a break. She protested, oh did she protest. I stuck to my guns and after I put Davilyn down for her nap at 1:00, it was Piper’s turn.
She napped for almost two hours. Two freakin hours! I don’t remember the last time she napped that long.
Then bedtime rolled around… and I was quickly reminded why we don’t mind her not having a nap. It was after 9:00 before she fell asleep. I pretty sure that our days of Piper napping are behind us.
{ 4 comments }
oh yes the naptime wars! The “experts” call the 3’s the “yuck zone” when it comes to naps. There is always a price to pay. But awesome on the early bedtimes. That’s a good time to curl up with the tv.
Naptime has ALWAYS been a battle in our house. It’s so aggravating.
We have some bedtime issues… oooo noooo I don’t want to give up naps yet. Maybe that is our problem!
Our oldest had the same issues. Bedtime was tough if she had a nap. We did make her do a “quiet time” most days (some days, as you know, are just impossible). 1 hour minimum playing quietly on her bed. She had to pick out the toys before hand, go potty before, and she had a sippy cup of water. Once she got used to the rules she was fine. Once in a while she’d even fall asleep… and that is when we knew she’d needed it.
Good luck!!!! 3 is one of the hardest ages i think.