As a child, I was not a fan of naps. Even in my pre-parenting days, I viewed them as a waste of precious time better spent reading, snacking, or indulging in a marathon of my favorite shows. But then I became a parent.
Research indicates that naps are essential for children’s growth and development. However, what the studies often overlook—though I’m here to share—is that we parents also desperately need our little ones to nap for our own sanity.
Like many kids, mine often resist napping. But, believe it or not, there are ten distinct types of naps that children take, and only one can be deemed a true blessing. Can you guess which one that is?
- The “I Need” Nap: This is the kind of nap where your child seems to need something every few seconds. “I need a drink,” “I need to go potty,” “I need a story,” and on it goes. By the time they finally doze off, it’s almost time to wake them up again!
- The Cat Nap: Ah, the moment when your child falls asleep, and you finally think you can relax. But wait! Just 15 minutes later, they’re awake again. Seriously? You barely had time to sit down!
- The “Not Really a Nap” Nap: You put your child down, close the door, and all seems quiet. You think they’re asleep until you peek at the video monitor, only to find them wide awake, playing with toys instead of snoozing.
- The Accidental Nap: You’re in the kitchen preparing dinner, and your little one is watching TV. You turn around to find them slumped in their chair, pacifier hanging from their mouth. This nap can even happen at restaurants or during outings—anywhere you wish they would stay awake!
- The Car Nap: You know how it goes. You’re just ten minutes from home, and your child, who has been non-stop talking, suddenly falls asleep in their car seat. You pull into the driveway, knowing that if you dare to get out, they’ll wake up feeling refreshed, leaving you unprepared for their energy.
- The Early Nap: This nap often happens during a transition from two naps to one, or when they’re going through a growth spurt. Your toddler starts rubbing their eyes at 9 a.m., signaling that if you don’t let them sleep, you’ll pay for it later. But if you do, they’ll be up way too early for bedtime.
- The Late Nap: The counterpart to the Early Nap. You might be running errands or caught up in a playdate, and suddenly your child falls asleep at 3 p.m. This can lead to a long night filled with their boundless energy and screams.
- The “Disturbance in the Force” Nap: Just when you think you have a moment to tackle chores, you hear a wail. Your child has woken up after a surprise poop! Who can blame them for being upset? I certainly would be too!
- The “Never Gonna Happen” Nap: You know your kids are not going to sleep, but you still hold out hope. You place them in their room, praying for a miracle. A few minutes later, you sigh and retrieve them, fully aware that your hopes were misplaced.
- The Real Nap: This is the holy grail of naps. You’ve prepped everything—bottle, pacifier, stuffed animal—and they lay down peacefully, drifting into Dreamland. It’s serene, it’s perfect, and it’s everything you’ve ever wished for.
If you guessed that the last one—the Real Nap—is the only good nap on this list, congratulations! But don’t get too excited; your child is probably awake now.
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In summary, while naps can be a battlefield in a household, understanding the different types can prepare you for the chaos. Remember, amidst the struggle, the Real Nap is the shining star, a moment of peace in an often hectic parenting journey.
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