I found myself venting to a colleague about my toddler’s sleep habits. Just the night before, she had stayed up past 11 p.m., only to spring out of bed at 5 a.m. ready for her favorite show. “Maybe it’s time to drop her nap,” he suggested, raising his eyebrows in that familiar way that implies I need to toughen up. Kevin, my coworker, is a former military man in his early 50s with two teenagers at home. He’s got a reputation for being the no-nonsense type, earning him the nickname “Grizzle Bear.”
“Sure, I’ll think about it,” I replied, but honestly, I didn’t mean it. This isn’t the first time I’ve heard this advice. Friends without kids often express their frustration when I refuse to skip naptime for social events. Even my mother has chimed in, clearly forgetting how challenging parenting can be.
Here’s the truth: I adore my daughter, Lily. She’s whimsical, inquisitive, and utterly delightful, but let’s be real—she can also be a handful. This isn’t a critique of her character; it’s simply part of the adventure of raising a 2-year-old. There’s no denying it’s one of the most rewarding yet exhausting jobs out there.
If I want to witness a true meltdown, all I have to do is eliminate her nap. I can’t say I’ve ever tried to do this on purpose, but there have been occasions when she’s resisted sleep, and it’s like inviting a hyperactive raccoon into the house. I refuse to put myself—or my spouse—through that chaos. My partner, Emma, is more than capable of handling it; she’s a powerhouse. But I wouldn’t wish a cranky, sleep-deprived toddler on anyone, least of all her.
This is the conundrum of parenthood: you often feel stuck, no matter which choice you make. When it comes to getting your child to sleep, it feels like an impossible balancing act—one that, in my experience, you can never quite get right.
I can already imagine sleep consultants gearing up to leave comments with their magic solutions or parents with perfect sleepers wanting to sell me miracle products. But if that’s you, please stop reading now. This is for the parents who relate to my struggles, those who have kids that can’t seem to fall into a steady sleep routine until they’re much older—perhaps even 25! I have three children, and they’ve all had their share of sleep issues in the early years. They’ve turned into moody little gremlins on days without naps, leaving me bleary-eyed and confused, often ending up dozing off on public transport (yes, it’s happened).
Naptime has been a sacred space for my partner and me, a chance to recharge amidst the chaos. If there’s one lesson I’ve gleaned from parenting, it’s that while I can try to manage their sleep schedules, ultimately, my kids are the ones in charge. They’ll figure it out at their own pace. As frustrating as that can be, the best advice I can offer is to cherish those nap times. Embrace them. If you can, join in on the rest. Hold firm to those moments because, sooner or later, they will find their rhythm.
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In summary, navigating the world of toddler sleep can feel like a never-ending battle. While every parent has their own approach, the key takeaway is to appreciate those peaceful nap moments while they last.