In Owen's view, naps are to be strictly avoided. The only permissible exception is a a leisurely cuddle on the sofa which leads to a brief period of shut-eye. However, when put in one's room for an afternoon siesta, it is imperative to climb out of bed, head immediately for the baby gate at the threshold of the room, and pass the appointed hour by shaking the gate bars like a crazed weekend jailbird and alternately screaming, crying and plaintively saying "mom-eeee". Should sleep be absolutely unavoidable, the proper procedure is to drag one's entire stuffed animal collection to the gate, make a pile, and take a short respite (see Exhibit A below).
Equally important is the appropriate bedtime for a 2 year old. If a nap has been successfully avoided all day, it is correct to fall asleep at 8 pm. However - and this is nonnegotiable - if a nap is taken during the day, the only reasonable bed time is 11 pm. Equally important is the nightly ritual of waking approximately 5 hours after first being down, making your way to the baby gate and again calling - with much emotion - for "mom-eeee". Once she appears, allow her to lead you back to bed and hold you until drifting off again. Repeat as necessary.
My opinion is that Mama really needs a break during the day and a full night's sleep, so after Christmas Owen will be getting a new routine "Supernanny-strict" style. Shh - don't tell him yet - I don't want him to have time to formulate a response.
5 comments:
I'd like to be able to tell you it gets better, but um... Jackson is 4 1/2, and so far, so bad :-(
Love the look in the first picture. Completely understand the need for sleep. I never know which night is going to be a battle or which night I might get glorious rest. I wish you luck with the upcoming sleep regime.
See you all soon, Love Kris
LOL - I just love how we're both going through the battle of the wills when it comes to sleeping. Of course, Owen and James share the same birthday, so why not? However, James has started to become a little more manipulative this week, asking for a drink of water - like, 10 TIMES before finally going asleep. Hang in there - you'll have to let me know how the Supernanny routine goes!
Well, It's long been my belief that the saying "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink." was initially delivered by someone giving advice to a Mom with a toddler ready to give up his naps. Maybe you can compromise with a little downtime sesame street watching or quiet time of some sort for a half hour. Good luck with the Supernanny techniques. That woman can work magic I never could.lol ((hugs)) hope it gets better soon.
Love you!
Bren
You know I love me some Supernanny. Thank God Rhys and Elloree like sleep as much as we do. I know you can do this, stay strong. A friend of mine has the theory of "You can either nap for 2 hours or you can scream for 2 hours. What ever, Mommy needs a break" Then she find a spot in the house the farthest away to quiet the sound a bit, has a glass of wine and enjoys a little alone mommy time. Good luck and we won't let Owen in on his secret destiny:-)
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