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Whatever You Do, Don’t Disturb My Sleeping Child!
by Lisa Matthews
August 31, 2023
I’m definitely that mom who’s a total stickler when it comes to my kids’ sleep. My daily routine revolves around their nap times, and I absolutely despise coming home late, especially when it interferes with bedtime. If I receive an invite for something scheduled during naptime, I can feel the irritation boil within me, questioning why the universe can’t just align with my children’s sleep needs.
I’m joking, but only slightly. The reality is that maintaining consistent nap and bedtime hours brings a sense of happiness to our entire household. My kids flourish under the predictability of their routines, and without enough sleep, they transform into tiny tornadoes of chaos. While some children might get a bit sleepy and sluggish from missing their naps, mine seem only to become even more hyper and unruly.
My kids are not the type to fall asleep amidst the daily hustle. I’ve seen parents with children who can doze off anywhere: at a restaurant, a museum, or even a park. Unfortunately, my little ones did not inherit that ability. They would never willingly drift off, and when I finally manage to get them to sleep, it has to be in a dark, distraction-free environment.
I know there’s a plethora of sleep advice suggesting that babies should adapt to noisy surroundings so they can snooze anywhere. Perhaps I should have embraced that when my children were younger, but maybe they’re just energetic little beings who can’t ignore the world around them when they’re tired. Whatever the case, I’ve learned to accept this reality.
And let’s be clear, this is not just about them — their sleep time is equally important for me. It’s during these moments that I get to rest or catch up on work, and I genuinely need that time just as much as they do. Being a mom is incredibly demanding; the few breaks I get are vital to my well-being. I understand that life cannot come to a halt for my kids’ sleep, and I can be flexible to an extent, but if given the choice, I would ensure nothing disrupts their naptime.
I thought I would loosen up about these matters as I gained more parenting experience — and while I have relaxed in many areas over the years, I remain fairly rigid about sleep schedules. My first child stopped napping by age 2½, but my second is still napping at 3½ (and nothing is going to stand in the way of that).
Just yesterday, I had a visit from the gas company to check the meter located in my son’s sleeping area. Upon hearing the knock on the door — thankfully, we don’t have a working doorbell — I jumped up in a panic. To my dismay, it was a new technician who didn’t know to come when my son was napping. Poor guy was sweating profusely, but I had to turn him away because naptime is sacred in our home.
When I explained he needed to come back later due to my child sleeping, he chuckled and said, “Sure, that happens to me all the time. Kids need their naps!” I exhaled a sigh of relief, realizing I’m not alone in my strict adherence to sleep schedules. For far too long, I’ve felt an unnecessary guilt about being a firm nap-time enforcer. But guess what? I’m done feeling guilty. My kids require their rest, I need them well-rested, and I need that quiet time to accomplish my tasks.
So listen up, world: My son takes his daily nap at 1 p.m. Please refrain from mowing your lawn right outside his window during that time. Avoid banging loudly on my front door. And to my older child: Keep your focus on your book, play video games with those headphones on, or step outside to play. Just don’t come running to me, shouting for snacks. Whisper, tiptoe, do what you must to maintain silence.
Hush! Hush, the little one’s sleeping. Wake him, and I’ll be furious.
In conclusion, the importance of sleep for both children and parents cannot be overstated. Establishing a routine is essential for a peaceful household, and prioritizing that time is crucial for maintaining sanity.
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