You bet I’m that mom who has a no-nonsense approach when it comes to my kids’ sleep. My day revolves around their nap times, and I absolutely despise being out too late at night. When I get invited to events during naptime, I can feel my irritation bubbling up inside, wishing the world would just sync up with my little ones’ sleep schedules.
I’m joking, sort of. The reality is that having a consistent sleep routine makes life smoother for everyone in my household. My kids flourish with their predictable schedule, and without enough sleep, they transform into small tornadoes of chaos. While some kids can skip a nap and just become a bit sleepy, mine become hyperactive and wild if they miss their rest.
My kids aren’t the type to drift off in the midst of everyday activities. I’ve seen other kids doze off at the diner, museum, or park, curling up wherever they feel like it. That’s not my kids; they don’t have that luxury. When it’s finally time for sleep, they require a dark and quiet environment to truly rest.
There’s a ton of sleep advice out there suggesting that babies should get used to sleeping in noisy settings. In hindsight, perhaps I should have tried that more when they were younger. However, it seems like I have a couple of little dynamos who can’t block out distractions when they’re tired. Whatever the reason, I’ve learned to accept it.
And it’s not just about their needs—nap time is my time too. When they’re asleep, I can either take a breather or catch up on tasks, and I need that time just as much as anyone else. Being a mom is incredibly demanding, and the few quiet moments I manage to snag are precious. Sure, I know life doesn’t stop for nap time, and I’m somewhat adaptable, but if I had my way, nothing would interfere with my kids’ sleep.
I thought I’d become more lenient on this front as I gained experience, and I have relaxed about many parenting matters over the years. But after nine years, I still hold firm to our sleep routines. My first child stopped napping by age 2 ½, but my second is now 3 ½ and still needs his daily nap (nothing will come between him and that sacred time).
Just yesterday, a technician from the gas company knocked on the door, and I immediately sprang into action. We don’t have a working doorbell, so I was relieved. When I opened the door, I noticed it was someone new, not the usual guy who knows to come before my son’s nap. He was clearly exhausted, but I had to politely turn him away. Nap time is a sacred event in our home, and I won’t let anything disrupt it.
When I asked if he could return later, he chuckled and said, “Sure, it happens to me all the time. Kids need their naps!” I sighed with relief, realizing I’m not alone in my dedication to sleep schedules. I’ve carried some unnecessary guilt about being a strict enforcer of nap time, but I’ve decided to let that go. My kids need their rest, I need them to be well-rested, and I need that break for myself to get things done.
So, here’s the deal, world: My son takes his nap every day at 1 p.m. Please don’t mow your lawn right outside his window then. Avoid banging loudly on my front door. And to my older child: Keep your nose buried in a book, play video games (with headphones, please), or head outside. Whatever you do, don’t come running to me demanding a snack. Be quiet, tiptoe, and do whatever it takes to maintain the peace.
Hush now! The baby’s sleeping.
Wake him up, and you might just regret it.
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In summary, creating and sticking to a sleep schedule is crucial for my family’s happiness and well-being. While I’ve learned to be more flexible over the years, my kids’ nap time remains a non-negotiable part of our day.