I’m a fairly easygoing mom. My kids indulge in Cheerios that have tumbled onto the floor, and our sleeping arrangements are quite flexible. We often spend quality time at my friend’s Clubhouse—his name’s Benny, and if you have kids, you might recognize it.
Now, don’t get me wrong; I’m not just being lazy. My lifestyle is more about survival than anything else. With two little ones, two energetic dogs, and a husband who disappears into his work each day, I have to make some tough choices. So, when I get the chance to unwind and keep my sanity intact, I grab it.
And that’s one of the countless reasons I firmly stick to my kids’ sleep schedule.
As soon as my little human alarm clocks wake me up, our day spirals into a whirlwind of Cheerio crumbs, toy sound effects, diaper changes, and the occasional “How did you get a fork?” moment. Honestly, I can’t help but start dreaming of nap time about 45 minutes after I’m up.
So when I receive an invitation for lunch at 12:30, my reply is always, “Nope, sorry.”
Because my kids need their sleep, and I know some of you have those mythical nap-free children who cruise through the afternoon with ease, and that may work for you. But from my experience, the few times I’ve attempted to venture out with my kids without their daytime rest have left me regretting it deeply.
When nap time is skipped, chaos erupts—tantrums fly, sippy cups are tossed, and the 1-year-old produces ear-piercing cries. Trust me, a chaotic hour of trying to manage my kids while cleaning spills with baby wipes isn’t worth a bowl of delicious pho. I’ll pass. My kids will be taking a nap today.
I admit my motives aren’t entirely altruistic. My kids need their naps to handle their emotions better (read: to avoid biting, screaming, and kicking each other), but I need that quiet time too. It’s my one chance to sit on the couch without being interrupted, untouched, or bombarded with “Mommy, I need you!” requests.
Of course, sticking to a schedule comes with its own challenges. Take beach vacations, for instance. There’s nothing more disheartening than packing snacks, a tent, and two pre-sunscreened kids, only to announce, “NAP TIME!” after just an hour of beach fun. I’m used to the groans from both my kids and adult family members. I know it’s frustrating, and I get that people think we should “just skip it this once.”
But in our family, our sleep schedule is non-negotiable. Nap time is vital for everyone’s well-being. I refuse to sacrifice those rejuvenating moments for a few more minutes on the beach. I know what happens when the kids get overtired, and I don’t want to add a beach full of sand to that disaster.
We stick to the schedule, and that goes for bedtime as well. I’ve battled the “overtired” scenario far too often to know better now. My kids don’t stay up to finish a movie, and we don’t linger at birthday parties if it means getting home past bedtime. My dad always said, “You can’t hoot with the owls if you want to soar with the eagles.” I’m pretty sure that means, “If you want to regret your choices, stay up late and wake up early with little kids.”
So if my husband and I plan a late night, it’s kid-free; that’s what babysitters are for. By 8 PM—okay, fine, 9 PM—those little munchkins will be snuggled in their beds, dreaming about candy, puppies, and Benny from the Clubhouse.
Call me a stickler, a party pooper, or uptight. I don’t mind. I’ll be over here during nap time, savoring a hot cup of coffee and the sweet sound of silence. Because in our family, we have a sleep schedule, and we stick to it.
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Summary
This article humorously discusses the author’s unwavering commitment to her children’s sleep schedule amidst the chaos of parenting. She emphasizes the necessity of naps for both her kids and herself, illustrating the challenges of maintaining routine during family outings while prioritizing rest for overall well-being.
Keyphrase: Parenting and sleep schedule
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