Jul 14 2008
The Necessity of Nap Time
I am a big fan of nap time.
While most of my kids have outgrown them, my toddler needs them, cannot function without them. On this, all the experts agree - kids need to be put down (for naps, not forever). Nap time transforms my cranky toddler into a sweet bright eyed cherub. Nap time rejuvenates everyone in the house because by default it creates a peaceful atmosphere. Petulant toddler screams are put to rest and everyone else in the house must observe a strict noise policy to ensure our little boy gets his rest. It’s a guaranteed one and a half to two hours of serenity, well, you know, as serene as a house with three awake kids can be.
When, however, by some fluke of his internal clock or by some devious external forces, that little man wakes up before his sleep meter is full, it’s like my son has been replaced by some angry little demon monkey. He screeches, he cries, he claws, he pounds, he punches, he throws things. He falls down. On purpose. For the rest of the day he’s a wreck, which means everyone else is on edge, which makes me a full blown basket case.
It doesn’t help that his vocabulary is rather limited. So the communication gap can only be bridged by pointing and shrieking, tugging at my arm, more pointing and shrieking, then falling down.
It’s a fun little cycle I like to think of as, maybe not hell itself, but perhaps the elevator ride down to hell.
Don’t neglect nap time. It could save your life.
