It’s amazing how we often take the little things for granted until they’re gone. Recently, I experienced this firsthand when my youngest child dropped their nap. Just a few months ago, I found myself in the same boat as countless parents who no longer have nappers at home. The blissful days of accomplishing tasks in peace have vanished. Activities like showering, eating, or tidying up must now be done while juggling the lively chatter and exuberant songs of tiny humans who seem to have boundless energy, like singing “EVERYTHING IS AWESOME WHEN YOU’RE PART OF A TEAM!”
And, let’s take a moment to grieve the loss of silence. It’s truly gone.
Whenever I mention that my youngest has moved on from napping, I’m often met with sympathy, such as, “I’m so sorry. That’s the worst,” or nostalgic responses like, “I remember when my little one stopped napping,” followed by a distant stare. For many families, this is indeed a bittersweet milestone.
However, rather than wallowing in despair, let’s explore five reasons to celebrate the end of naptime.
1. No More Nap-time Threats
If you’re a parent, you know how noisy kids can be. It’s nearly impossible for them to close a door or fetch a glass from the cabinet without making a ruckus! You know you’re asking for the impossible when you whisper, “Please be quiet,” during nap time. But now that the napping era has ended, you can ease up on the threats and only request silence when you truly need it for your own sanity.
2. No More Doorbell Warnings
Gone are the days of leaving frantic notes for the UPS delivery person, complete with all caps and excessive exclamation points. I had a friend who even drew a giant STOP sign on her door. These notes typically screamed, “Do NOT ring doorbell!!!!! or Knock!!! Baby sleeping!!!!” I always felt like adding something dramatic, like, “or you will meet a terrible fate!” Because let’s face it, delivery personnel rarely read our carefully crafted notes.
3. Freedom from Nap-time Constraints
We often convince ourselves that we’ll achieve a long to-do list during naptime. Instead, you might find yourself binge-watching old episodes of shows like Full House because most tasks create noise, and let’s be honest, we’re too exhausted to tackle anything productive. With the end of naptime, embrace the freedom to venture out! Take your energetic little one to an inflatable park and watch them tire out so they’ll beg for an earlier bedtime.
4. Welcome Outside Sounds
No, I’m not referring to the noise your kids make—that’s enough to drive anyone insane. I mean, you can finally stop worrying about the sounds of construction vehicles or barking dogs. You’ll actually greet the city worker trimming the tree outside with a smile instead of a scowl, feeling relaxed instead of on edge.
5. Easier Bedtime Routines
This one’s about their exhaustion, not yours. Sure, your child might doze off in their spaghetti at dinner time, but consider the joy of knowing that the constant chatter during bedtime has been reduced. Rejoice in the fact that you only need to read one story instead of five, get one sip of water instead of three, and say “Goodnight, I love you, see you in the morning” a mere two times instead of twenty-three. We can shed happy tears as we hear their gentle breathing at night.
Okay, I admit it—there’s room for sadness when naptime ends. Feel free to shed those “I-no-longer-have-a-moment-to-myself” tears; nobody will judge you. But remember to also focus on the positives. Just think, only eight hours until bedtime!
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Summary
While the end of naptime can feel daunting for many parents, it also opens up a world of new opportunities. From less stress about noise to a more relaxed bedtime routine, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate this significant milestone. Embrace the changes and look forward to the newfound freedom—your evenings will never be the same!