Parenting Insights
The Nap: A Parent’s Essential Ally
by Emma Carter
Updated: Aug. 21, 2015
Originally Published: April 16, 2013
Parenting is often likened to conducting an experiment, where each child is a new hypothesis that you test and refine over time. Picture yourself donning your lab coat (perhaps your favorite yoga pants) and equipping your lab with a microwave as a Bunsen burner and bottles of formula as your beakers. You meticulously track your findings, jotting notes on Post-it notes that adorn your refrigerator door.
However, I recently learned the hard way that some experiments just don’t yield the results you hope for. I decided to drop my three-year-old’s afternoon nap this summer, thinking he was ready to transition. Spoiler alert: I was wrong. The evidence has painfully shown that my toddler is not prepared for a no-nap life.
When planning our summer activities, we enrolled both of our older kids in the same day camp. While my 9-year-old thrives there, I mistakenly believed that my younger son could handle the longer days. Camp ends at 3:45 PM, which is inconveniently 45 minutes past his usual nap time. “He’s fine,” I reassured myself, underestimating the importance of that midday rest.
Now, a month into camp, my little one arrives home exhausted and cranky. The effort to coax him into a restful state at four in the afternoon is utterly fruitless. Sure, a few times he dozed off in the car, but those moments are rare. And even when he does fall asleep, he rarely stays that way once inside the house.
In essence, I’ve made a grave error. The afternoon nap was a crucial part of our routine—my toddler would wake up refreshed and ready to play, while I enjoyed a peaceful break. Those precious two hours allowed me to accomplish a multitude of tasks. Now, I find myself yearning for those tranquil moments before I foolishly disrupted our rhythm.
So, let me share this cautionary tale with you. If you are fortunate enough to have a napping child, cling to that time tenaciously. As Jack from Titanic famously said, “don’t let go.” Reject the notion of “letting it go,” like in that overplayed song from Frozen, because no parent should endure the chaos of a tired three-year-old clinging to their leg, wailing for attention while you try to prepare dinner.
This is not just a personal plea; it’s a public service announcement. Learn from my misstep: Long live the nap!
For those seeking guidance on establishing a calming bedtime routine, check out this helpful resource. And if you’re interested in more parenting tips and advice, visit our page on at-home insemination kits.
Summary
In this humorous reflection on parenting, the author shares her regret over dropping her toddler’s afternoon nap, emphasizing the importance of this rest period for both child and parent. With vivid imagery and relatable anecdotes, the piece encourages parents to cherish their child’s nap time, turning it into a valuable opportunity for both relaxation and productivity.