Yep, I’m that mom who takes her kids’ sleep very seriously. My entire day revolves around their nap times, and I absolutely despise returning home late for bedtime. If I receive an invitation for an event coinciding with naptime, I can feel the frustration bubbling inside me, wondering why the universe can’t align itself with my kids’ sleep schedules.
I’m only half-joking, though. The reality is that maintaining consistent nap and bedtimes keeps the peace in our household. My children flourish with a routine, and without their necessary sleep, they transform into little whirlwinds of chaos. Some kids might skip a nap and just feel a bit drowsy. Not mine. If they miss sleep, they get even more hyper and unruly.
My kids aren’t the type to doze off amidst the hustle and bustle of life. I’ve seen other children nod off in diners, museums, or parks, curling up wherever they find a spot. Unfortunately, my kids didn’t inherit that ability. They resist sleep like it’s a new vegetable on their plate. When I finally manage to coax them into slumber, they require a dark, distraction-free environment to doze off and stay asleep.
There’s a lot of advice floating around about getting babies accustomed to sleeping in noisy environments, allowing them to nap anywhere. Maybe I should’ve tried that more when they were younger, but perhaps my kids are just hyperactive little beings who can’t tune out the world when they’re tired. Maybe I’m raising light sleepers. Whatever the case, I’ve accepted it as part of our reality.
And let’s be honest — their nap time is sacred for me too. While they sleep, I catch up on rest or tackle my to-do list. I earn that time as much as anyone else does. Being a mom is no walk in the park; breaks are few and far between, and I cherish the ones I get. Life doesn’t pause just for my kids to sleep, and I’m somewhat adaptable when needed, but if I had it my way, nothing would disturb their sleep. Nothing.
You’d think I would loosen up about these things as I gained more experience as a mom. While I have become more relaxed about many aspects of parenting over the years, I still cling to strict sleep routines nine years in. My first child outgrew naps by 2 ½, but my second is 3 ½ and still takes a daily nap — trust me, nothing is going to interfere with that.
Just yesterday, the gas company arrived to read the meter located in my son’s room. The moment I heard a knock on the door — thank goodness our doorbell is broken — I sprang into action. Opening the door, I noticed it was a different technician than usual (the one who knows better than to come during nap time). This poor guy was dripping with sweat, but I had to turn him away because naptime is a sacred ritual in our house, and I won’t let anything disrupt it.
When I explained that my child was napping, he chuckled and replied, “Sure, I get it all the time. Kids need their naps!” I felt a wave of relief wash over me, realizing I’m not the only one who takes sleep seriously. Over the years, I’ve carried unnecessary guilt about being such a strict sleep enforcer. But you know what? That guilt is gone. My kids need their rest, I need them well-rested, and I need that quiet time to get things done.
So listen up, world: My son naps every day at 1 p.m. Please refrain from mowing your lawn right outside his window at that time. No loud banging on my front door either. And to my older child: Keep your nose in a book, play video games (with the headphones on, please), or go play outside. Just don’t come running to me demanding a snack. Whisper, tiptoe, and do whatever it takes to keep the noise level down.
Hush! Hush, the baby’s sleeping. If you wake him up, well, let’s just say you won’t want to find out what happens next. If you’re looking for more information on parenting and sleep routines, check out this insightful post here. And if you’re considering options for at-home insemination, make sure to visit Make a Mom for their reliable syringe kits. For further exploration of fertility treatments, WebMD offers excellent resources tailored to your needs.
Summary
In conclusion, sleep is a vital part of our family’s routine, and I won’t compromise on it. My children thrive with their naps, and I cherish the quiet time they provide. So while life continues around us, I’ll be that mom who fiercely protects nap time — for everyone’s sake.
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