Comments on: Sometimes she reads books the way Daddy watches TV

By: Ratna

Ratna — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 20:48:34 +0000

Love it– thanks for the timely advice… I need to implement the same but candy will need to be involved… hmmm… I hope she can read/hang out alone. that is always the challenge. My little one does what Claire does but now the trick is to get the older one to follow suit.

By: JoAnn, The Casual Perfectionist http://thecasualperfectionist.com

JoAnn, The Casual Perfectionist http://thecasualperfectionist.com — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 23:41:06 +0000

Jenna & Annette, thanks for your comments!

Jenna, I already have a file started. LOL!

Annette, I hope this idea works for you when the time comes!

By: Annette

Annette — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 21:18:10 +0000

JoAnn:
This is a great idea. When Elsie gets to that point I use the trickery.

By: Jenna Hallock

Jenna Hallock — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 19:23:02 +0000

My kids never fell for the “just rest with some books in your room” trick. I do still insist on a “quiet resting time” in their rooms every afternoon with very few exceptions.

It wears on me though. My six-year-old (who attends a.m. kindergarten) still asks me almost everyday, “Why do we have to rest mommy? Can’t we just play together in our rooms?!?” To which I usually reply gently with some version of, “Because it’s good to rest your body and enjoy quiet time that is just for you. We all need a break some times.”

In my less patient moments it sounds more like, “Seriously?!? We’ve been doing this since the day you were born and you are STILL going to argue with me about rest time?!? I can’t force you to sleep, but for heavens sake just go to your room! Mommy needs a nap!” You can tuck that away in the file “THINGS NOT TO SAY TO YOUR CHILDREN EVEN IF YOU ARE EXASPERATED.”

By: JoAnn, The Casual Perfectionist http://thecasualperfectionist.com

JoAnn, The Casual Perfectionist http://thecasualperfectionist.com — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 06:06:51 +0000

That’s true, Catherine! I’m lucky that I only have one child to trick into taking a nap!

Terra, I’m so sorry for you! I’m not sure what I would have done without naptimes when she was younger!

Lora & Julia Chicken, I’m planning to use this as long as I can! I am glad that Claire still gets her good-night’s sleep AND a nap. I’m hoping the “just read and play in your room” stage will be a relatively easy transition for us when the time comes!

Thanks for all your comments!!

By: Lora & Julia Chicken http://advice-with-dr-julia.com

Lora & Julia Chicken http://advice-with-dr-julia.com — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 03:05:56 +0000

Time is indeed running out on that tactic! LOL
(provided she gets a good night’s sleep).

Don’t worry, though, nap time will be replaced with time that she spends on her own. So you’ll still get your “break”.

See ya round!

By: Terra

Terra — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 01:22:30 +0000

When Hailey naps there is no bedtime. Or should I say bedtime becomes becomes a naughty word in my brain. My first daughter never napped after 6 weeks. I was lucky to get 20 minutes from her, Hailey didn’t nap more than 40 minutes until she was almost 2. Now if she falls asleep for even 10 minutes – she is up later than us – SO no nappys for us. none, notta – zip.

By: Catherine @ onthebanksoftheriogrande.blogspot.com

Catherine @ onthebanksoftheriogrande.blogspot.com — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:24:06 +0000

Yes, you are very clever indeed!! My problem is that my two little girls are a year apart and, without fail, one will invariably make sure that the other one doesn’t dare succumb to the evil machinations of THE NAP MONSTER.

By: JoAnn, The Casual Perfectionist http://thecasualperfectionist.com

JoAnn, The Casual Perfectionist http://thecasualperfectionist.com — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 21:51:12 +0000

Thanks, La Petite Chic!

Lori, I agree about the best stories taking place behind your eyelids.

Joyce, that’s so true! It’s an ever-changing dance, with us both learning new steps all the time!

By: Joyce Peak

Joyce Peak — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 21:31:12 +0000

Your cleverness will end too, and you will have to find another way to “trick” her. At some point
you just have to realize that the mom needs naps more than kids at a certain stage.