My youngest son (2 years old) is hitting the age where he thinks he doesn’t need to take a nap. Some days he can hang with the big boys. Other days he is a hot mess by 3:00 and ends up climbing in the recliner to pass out.
We have had a mild winter in northern California and when the sun is shining and T-man has not napped… we load up in the jogger and head out for some fresh air with the hopes of someone (or BOTH) taking a nap.
Some days it works and T-man passes right out. Other days both littles are wide awake and ready to tackle the afternoons dreaded witching hour… screaming, crying, whining and fighting.
Which often leaves Mommy in a hot, sweaty, cranky mess… counting down the clock to when Daddy gets home. It is a deadly combination when you have 1 tired mommy + 1 tired 2 year old + 1 tired 3 year old + 1 tired 6 year old who just got home from school.
Yikes! Watch out!!
I am thankful for the sunshine and the afternoon sweat fest (failed attempt to get littles to nap)… where is that parenting manual again?
Tara Burner says
i’ve yet to find the parenting manual and mine are now 23 & 16 yrs old!
hate to break it to you but it doesnt get easier! 🙁
Rachel says
Thanks Tara. Yes, I know that with each stage these kids grow in to… adds a new and different challenge. Hugs.
@PamelaMKramer - A Renaissance Woman says
There is a manual????!!!!!!!!!! I bribe mine with a treat or a movie or something they really want to do. – OK you can have this after nap time but if you don’t take a nap then you don’t get ___________. Usually works. Only because they know I will stick to my guns. That one should be in the manual. lol – If you aren’t consistent with your words and actions you will surely lose.
Julie Boyer says
My 16-month old sometime thinks she doesn’t need a nap, which is a terrible idea. She basically skipped it today and melted down at 3 pm. A 2 hour nap at this time is not ideal so I woke her up … she liked that even less!! Not sure I have any words of advice but I can feel your pain, and I only have one!
Janice - The Fitness Cheerleader says
Ha ha ha – when you find it can you mail it to me?