Reader Question: How can I find time for myself when they stop taking naps?
Tuesday June 24, 2008
Q: JLinda says: I am a blessed mother of boy/girl twins almost 2 1/2 years old who actually still go down well for their afternoon nap. I was just wondering if others could advise me on how I can still get some "me time" when they stop taking their naps. I have thought since they were together they could just have quiet time in their rooms but won't that just be more trouble with them by themselves?
A: JLinda, I can remember feeling the same way, dreading the day when my twin daughters would decline to nap. I hated the thought of losing those precious hours of quiet time. My daughters napped daily right up until they started kindergarten, so the transition was much different than what I expected.
I agree that "me time" is really important for moms, and I think that you're wise to start planning to preserve it. Even if your twins don't physically need to sleep during nap time, a quiet rest period is beneficial. I'd encourage you to stick to a routine, so that your kids know to expect nap/rest time as part of their daily schedule. Explain your expectations to them very clearly; tell them that they don't have to sleep, but that you want them to stay in their room for a designated amount of time (for example, one hour.) Give them books or quiet toys to play with. Make sure that you provide a safe environment for them; remove any hazards from their rooms and use gates, if necessary, to make sure they are secure. If your twins share a room, definitely consider splitting them up for this phase; you'l have much better results keeping them quiet than if they are together. It may take several days or weeks to reinforce the routine, but if you stick with it, you'll establish a good habit that will give them -- and you -- the quiet time they need each afternoon.
• Sleep Solutions for Toddler Twins
• What do you think? Share your advice and suggestions by leaving a comment.
• More articles about Toddler Twins
A: JLinda, I can remember feeling the same way, dreading the day when my twin daughters would decline to nap. I hated the thought of losing those precious hours of quiet time. My daughters napped daily right up until they started kindergarten, so the transition was much different than what I expected.
I agree that "me time" is really important for moms, and I think that you're wise to start planning to preserve it. Even if your twins don't physically need to sleep during nap time, a quiet rest period is beneficial. I'd encourage you to stick to a routine, so that your kids know to expect nap/rest time as part of their daily schedule. Explain your expectations to them very clearly; tell them that they don't have to sleep, but that you want them to stay in their room for a designated amount of time (for example, one hour.) Give them books or quiet toys to play with. Make sure that you provide a safe environment for them; remove any hazards from their rooms and use gates, if necessary, to make sure they are secure. If your twins share a room, definitely consider splitting them up for this phase; you'l have much better results keeping them quiet than if they are together. It may take several days or weeks to reinforce the routine, but if you stick with it, you'll establish a good habit that will give them -- and you -- the quiet time they need each afternoon.
• Sleep Solutions for Toddler Twins
• What do you think? Share your advice and suggestions by leaving a comment.
• More articles about Toddler Twins
Comments
I totally agree with the answer. When my triplets were five years old, they were still napping in the afternoon. It was really important for me at that time to also rest; that was my “me” time.
As the kids get older, you are wise to always carve out some time for yourself. Although I heard that advice over and over, I never followed it, and I paid a very heavy price when my kids got older. Don’t lose your sense of “self” because it’s hard to find later on.