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AIBU?

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Original poster

would you have a nap when in sole charge of two school-aged DC?

84 replies

JimmyGreavesMoustache · 22/12/2015 10:36

haven't decide yet so no need to shout at me.

I am not sleeping well and am in desperate need of a nap - for various reasons there is no chance of a lie-in or an early night this week.

I could really do with going back to bed for half an hour. I need actual sleep though - laying on the sofa with my eyes shut while they play is not going to cut it. Would you?

OP posts:
triceratops1066 · 22/12/2015 11:19

If you have the sort of children of that age who should not be left alone while you have a sleep, I expect you will already know that...

maybebabybee · 22/12/2015 11:21

Christ alive, yes of course I would. Just stick on a dvd. They can wake you if something happens, can't they Confused

MidniteScribbler · 22/12/2015 11:22

Just set up a movie and give them a drunk

This may cross the line in to irresponsible parenting.

Artandco · 22/12/2015 11:23

I would bring the 5 year old to bed with me so they couldn't argue.

Can you all pile in your bed, they watch a film on laptop/ iPad and you nap?

bigbadbarry · 22/12/2015 11:24

They are your children? I absolutely would. Not if one of them was a friend.

Marynary · 22/12/2015 11:26

Unless they are immature for their age, I can't see the problem. It's not as if you will be out of the house. They can wake you if they need to. Are they never awake in the morning before you? What is the difference?

GiddyOnZackHunt · 22/12/2015 11:27

Where do you get these dc who allow you to nap in their presence? I went to the wrong shop obviously Xmas Grin My 4 yr old thinks our bed is best used as a wrestling ring and my older one never shuts up.

AtSea1979 · 22/12/2015 11:29

Yes I would. My DD is often up at 5am, she knows how to use the remote to get CBeebies on, she's been doing this for years.
Stick a movie on and get some sleep.

Jesabel · 22/12/2015 11:29

Yes, definitely!

I have a 5yo and almost 2yo and often go to bed for a lie down for an hour or so if the younger one naps. 5yo just enjoys watching episodes of Power Rangers on Netflix without anyone complaining about what dross it is Grin

They also both wake before me in the mornings and play in their room.

AtSea1979 · 22/12/2015 11:30

Giddy it's all in the routine Grin

We3KingyOfOblomovAre · 22/12/2015 11:34

Christ yes.
My 2 can play on x box while I have been known to get back into BED!!
what is the problem? Puts on foil hat and waits for someone to come on and accuse us of neglect......Xmas Hmm

MummyPig24 · 22/12/2015 11:37

I did when I was pregnant with dc3 and they were 5 & 3. I would put a movie on in my room and get them into bed with me and fall asleep. Now they are older 5 & 8 I would still do the same or nap downstairs otherwise they fight.

anotherbloomingusername · 22/12/2015 11:40

5 & 8 wouldn't worry me, if the children in question have a certain degree of common sense. I'd trust mine.

HeadDreamer · 22/12/2015 11:41

I would for a 5 and 8yo. Mine is 4yo in YR and I've done it. She knows how to come and find me.

HeadDreamer · 22/12/2015 11:43

In fact my 4yo is now in the sitting room watching netflix while I work. I have headphones on sometimes for teleconferencing. I don't think I can hear her up to mischieves if she's that way inclined.

HPsauciness · 22/12/2015 11:51

This would be fine for mine, if they were watching a movie or playing on a tablet, I would tell them to come and wake me if they wanted anything, and leave the bedroom door open. In fact I've done it.

Most likely the youngest would curl up into bed with me and have a sleep anyway.

I don't think a 5 and 8 year old need constant supervision, surely? Don't they go off and play together/in their rooms?

MammaTJ · 22/12/2015 11:52

I have done since mine were 6 and 7. I worked nights and would go to bed for around four hours! Their lunch would be in the fridge, DD could tell the time.
I was available if they needed me!

starry0ne · 22/12/2015 11:53

Yes at 5 & 8... I would leave snacks and drinks..DVD.. Sorted..

DakotaFanny · 22/12/2015 11:53

In my house, when I say "let's watch a film" the children understand that what I really mean is "I'm knackered, let's have a nap". Just nap on the sofa, you will hear them if they need you.

I might even go so far as to say that cuddling a small child while snoozing with a film on in the background will be one of my favourite memories of having kids. There's nothing like a child shaped hot water bottle to cuddle up to.

Enjoy.

Moving15 · 22/12/2015 11:54

I am about to have a nap with my 8/and 5/year olds enjoying a film in the same room. They are not silly and continually wake me up for any requests (grrr) so I know they will be OK. If they were the kind of kids who too the initiative to do their own thing I wouldn't be so relaxed but they are boys who have to be reminded to go to the toilet so won't move from the sofa. Father's genes Wink

TimeToMuskUp · 22/12/2015 11:54

Mine are 4 and 10 and I often Nanna-nap in the chair while they potter downstairs. DS1 likes to play upstairs in his room so it's often just me and the 4 year old. He wakes me if he needs stuff but can entertain himself on the train table or with Playmobil while I kip.

TheBunnyOfDoom · 22/12/2015 11:55

Yes, I would at that age. 8 is old enough to come and wake you if there's a problem. Just put a DVD on and leave them some drinks/snacks so they don't have to go and raid the cupboards!

ExitStageLeft · 22/12/2015 11:58

I bloody would! Get them food, drink, DVD....what could actually happen?! It's no different to you popping out to the garden to peg some washing out and something happening, they'll just come and tell you. The worst thing that will happen is there will be an argument.

5608Carrie · 22/12/2015 12:00

For scores of parents who are chronically ill or disabled this will be a daily reality for thier kids. It certainly was for mine. Thankfully eldest now 15.

It isn't ideal but life rarely is.

catgirl1976 · 22/12/2015 12:00

I agree with put a film on and snooze on the couch. You get your sleep and they are not "unattended". You won't get a deep sleep but if there's an issue you are right there and will wake up if anything howls / expoldes.