So if you can't pass on your patience, could you give me some ideas? I'm begging here. There are only so many times I can hear "MOMMY" at high decibels! He's definitely tired - rubbing eyes, yawns, laying down in various spots but as soon as we go to the bed, he's wild as a buck again. I've tried earlier. I've tried later. I've tried no books. I've tried reading. I've tried ignoring him. I've tried laying down with him. But NOTHING IS WORKING. I would even be somewhat content with a couple hours of quiet time but that's not happening either. The incessant "Mommy" or "Daddy" cries begin and there goes my quiet time. You'd think he'd reach a point where he was physically exhausted and give up but I've yet to see that day. By nighttime he is exhausted to the point of acting out. So clearly the missing nap is taking its toll - on mommy and daddy too!
He did take a nap on Friday for 4 hours! Can we say make-up nap?! If this monsoon of a rain storm the last 2 days isn't perfect nap weather, I don't know what is. At what point in our lives do we realize naps are cool and it's okay to actually close our eyes to rest? I would pay good money for a daily siesta but Colin clearly isn't on board.
Ok, suggestions? On sleeping, patience, or coping?! Oh wait, has the screaming stopped? I'm not holding my breath.
A picture from the good ol' days!
i'm sorry i dont have any suggestions, but i hope you get some. we are struggling with the same exact thing. i laid ella down for a nap today and finally after 30 minutes i couldnt take any more screaming so i just got her up. i dont think she is ready to give up naps yet, though some may say yes. my friend still has "quiet time" for her 3 boys and the oldest is 5. during that time they can sit in their room and read, play etc. but they are not to come out until the hour is over....that way she can have some peaceful time too:)for the most part she will take a nap, but it sometimes takes her an hour to go to sleep. i dont know what to make of that? we've tried moving the time up, down, etc.....just like all of your effort. good luck and let us know if you find a solution.
ReplyDeletesorry to leave such a long comment!
With my 5 year old we too have quiet time, but with my 2 1/2 year old he has to take a nap. When he starts having a fit he sits in time out until he's calmed down. Normally this takes about a minute or two. Usually after he's calmed down he realizes he is tired, tells me he's tired, then goes to sleep.
ReplyDeleteThis perfect scenario doesn't happen everyday, and there are days where he won't take a nap, but he will do quiet time like his big sister.
Quiet time comes highly recommended from this mommy! It's good for him and especially for you! :-)
oh my goodness, i am so sorry. if i was around, i would def babysit so you could atleast get some peace and quiet that way! you are an amazing mom, i see it through your posts and your happy family...this is just a rough spot. i know you can get through it, just don't give up!!
ReplyDeleteSorry he's stopping naps. : (
ReplyDeleteYou MUST continue making him have "room time". You need the break. He can look at books and listen to music while he is in his bed. Some days he might (hopefully!) fall asleep.
We have a harp CD that lasts almost 1 hour, I always played that and when the CD was over they were allowed to get up. You could make the rule that if he yells or screams or comes out of his room before the CD is over you will restart it. Good Luck!
I'm sorry I am of no help yet. My 22-month old daughter still sleeps in a crib, and still loves her nap time. I'm awaiting the day I put her in her big girl bed, and she doesn't want to stay in it, whether it be bedtime or naptime. For now though, I'm still happy that she cannot refuse a nap, and even if she did, there's no way for her to complain...yet.
ReplyDeleteHopefully soon he'll go back to his normal routine, and once he starts preschool, I'm sure that will wear him out enough that he'll resume napping again. I know a lot of moms that let their children have their quiet time in their room, they may not have to nap, but they DO have to stay in their rooms for about two hours, to give themselves a break too. I also know some extreme moms who have locks on the outside of their children's bedroom doors, so they cannot escape their bedroom while refusing to nap. Not sure if I'd go that far, but good luck. Hope he goes back to napping regularly soon. :)
Headphones!!!
ReplyDeleteWe put Pierce in his room every day. Some days he naps. Some days he yells like a howler monkey but I continue to ignore him and after "nap/quiet time" is over, he's allowed to come out. I think at this age they're too little to understand what "quiet time" is but soon he will.
In the meantime, I suggest you ignore him & if his cries are bothering you, put on some music to drown them out!
Also - I would imagine it's a phase. Pierce is going through a "no" phase again. Awesome.
Awww!!! I don't have kids so I have no advice for you unfortunately. I do feel your pain though about patience!! I tend to lack that very often. I've been trying to work on it. When you find some tips, please let me know! ;)
ReplyDeleteIt has been so long since I have had to deal with this but I like the idea of playing soft music for a certain time frame and that being "me" time -me time for them and you. Also, love Colin's quilt -is it homemade?
ReplyDeleteSo many great suggestions, I don't think I have anything to add! Let us know how it works out!
ReplyDelete