Ah, the dreaded car nap. It’s a phenomenon that sends chills down my spine. Just a few minutes of unplanned sleep can unravel the entire day—or even the next one. Sometimes, it’s unavoidable, especially during lengthy drives that coincide with my little one’s nap schedule. Moving across the country? Sure, a car nap feels essential. Returning home after a family gathering that stretched past nap time? A brief siesta might be a lifesaver to get us through until bedtime. But when we’re just minutes from home and his nap time is looming, I go to war to keep him awake!
My child sleeps more soundly and for longer stretches in his own bed, and this quality of sleep is vital for all of us. We all know the havoc an overtired toddler can wreak—it’s the stuff of nightmares. I guard my children’s nap times as if my life depends on it, organizing our activities around them. They thrive on their sleep routine, and disrupting it is not an option.
That being said, I typically steer clear of extended car rides close to nap time, but life doesn’t always cooperate. I’ll go to extraordinary lengths to prevent that dreaded car nap.
Stage 1:
As I glance in the rear-view mirror, I notice the yawns and eye rubs beginning. I know the consequences of ignoring these signs, so I engage my son in a captivating conversation.
“Did you enjoy your day? What was the best part? Don’t you love running errands with Mom? That little boy at the park had some interesting habits, didn’t he? What’s your favorite animal, color, or day of the week?”
Stage 2:
When casual chatter isn’t enough to hold his attention, it’s time to pull out the big guns—technology. I fire up an animated film in the minivan or hand him my phone for some entertainment.
“Check out this picture of the giraffe we saw at the zoo just 25 minutes ago! Look at this video of your brother opening his birthday gifts. Remember that Easter egg hunt? No? Well, here’s a clip to jog your memory.”
Stage 3:
As his eyes begin to glaze over and his eyelids droop, I must escalate my efforts. Everything becomes wildly exciting as I raise my voice.
“OH MY GOSH! LOOK AT THAT TREE! IT’S SO GREEN! AND TALL! WOW! THAT CAR HAS FOUR—YES, FOUR—WHEELS! AND LOOK AT THOSE CLOUDS! CAN YOU BELIEVE THERE ARE CLOUDS IN THE SKY?”
Stage 4:
His expression becomes vacant, and it feels like I’m losing him. I rummage through my bag for candy or a toy—anything to snap him back to reality. If I’m lucky, I might find a few stray Skittles. If that fails, I might resort to rolling the windows up and down repeatedly, wondering what the drivers beside us think as they catch glimpses of my son’s sleepy face disappearing with each roll.
Stage 5:
This is the final stand. I have to shake him awake using extreme measures. If my husband is behind the wheel, I’m right in my son’s face, showering him with kisses, making silly noises, and playing games with his hands. If I’m alone, I reach back to tickle his feet or hold his hand while cranking up the music and belting out tunes.
After all my attempts, if nothing works, I might as well drive in circles, letting him sleep as long as possible—typically a mere half-hour, compared to his usual hour-and-a-half nap at home. Regardless, the day is bound to be a struggle. I’ll be faced with a cranky toddler, and the prospect of tantrums looms large. If I’m fortunate, an early bedtime will reset everything for tomorrow. If not, I’m left with an overtired child who will wake up early and start the cycle all over again. Car naps, I tell you, are no joke!
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Summary
The struggle against car naps can feel relentless for parents, but various strategies can help keep little ones awake during critical times. From engaging conversations to tech distractions, the battle for nap time is one that many parents face. Ultimately, understanding the significance of a good nap can make all the difference in a family’s daily routine.