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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
JennyOnAPlate · 22/12/2015 12:01

I would if I could get away with it. My two would be trying to hurt each other within 5 minutes of me leaving the room though.

Stillwishihadabs · 22/12/2015 12:06

Yes I would ( and have) IMO it was safer than going on a night shift without having had a nap. The year 3 boy was more than capable of waking me if there was a problem, he may even have still been 7.

Lightbulbon · 22/12/2015 12:13

I can't believe this is even a question!

PolyesterBride · 22/12/2015 12:13

Yes definitely. Why wouldn't you? As long as they know where you are and they're fed and watered, there's no problem. Mine have been playing in a different room to me all morning while I cooked / had a bath. Don't see the difference. (Assuming they are not the type to go out by themselves!)

Being able to do your own thing while the kids amuse themselves is one of the compensations of them not being tiny and cuddly anymore

DifferentCats · 22/12/2015 12:23

I have a flat rather than a house, so the door between the living room and my bedroom would be open, but I have had many vital naps and lie ins while my four year old potters around with a film on.

I can hear him very clearly, so I sort of doze off rather than properly sleep. Sometimes you just need a little bit more rest to function for the day.

I don't see it as any different to him waking earlier than me and playing in his room, which he also does.

Fuckitfay · 22/12/2015 12:30

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

TheSconeOfStone · 22/12/2015 12:36

i did this morning. DD2 aged 5 was up so I got her breakfast and put My Little Pony on for her. I went back to bed and the 8 year old got up, got herself some cereal and played on the computer. They are quite capable of coming to get me if there is a problem.

Floggingmolly · 22/12/2015 15:31

You say we're going to take them to the park, op? Am I missing something? If there are genuinely two adults in the equation why on earth can't the other take them to the park while you get your head down? Confused

VoldysGoneMouldy · 22/12/2015 15:36

I'm disabled and chronically ill. Naps are often required.

Film on, snacks out, duvet on the sofa (much like exactly how the house looks right now!).

ICanSeeForMiles · 22/12/2015 15:40

God, yes. That's pretty close to my 2 dc ages and I've been known to give them half an hour of xbox and have a wee snooze.

Bubbletree4 · 22/12/2015 15:44

When mine were that age, I would put a DVD on for them, sit on the sofa with them and I would sleep through the movie. If they did anything, it would wake me up and they had agreed in advance to sit still and behave as I was knackered.

Original poster
JimmyGreavesMoustache · 22/12/2015 15:54

Floggingmolly, I said we are going to the park ie the DC and I. I can assure you there is no lazy man-child lurking in the background.

Readers, I napped. They watched Five Children and It and had free rein over the mince pie tin while I was upstairs. I feel marvellous (well, less shite anyway), and am quite likely to repeat the experiment until I go back to work next week.

OP posts:
GhoulWithADragonTattoo · 22/12/2015 16:03

My two are the same age and often the TV while DH and I try to sleep upstairs. Can't the issue really.

GhoulWithADragonTattoo · 22/12/2015 16:04

Sorry just seen you had your nap, good :)

BeanGirls · 22/12/2015 16:08

I would personally.

JakeBallardswife · 22/12/2015 16:13

I've done the same here, trying to work out if enough energy for the gym now!

Troika · 22/12/2015 16:16

Yes and I just did. Mine are 8 and 9. I don't normally nap (32 weeks pregnant and suddenly very tired) but have been leaving them to their own devices whilst I cook/change beds/have a bath etc for several years. I don't consider me being in bed upstairs and them in the sitting room to be leaving them unattended Hmm

knobblyknee · 22/12/2015 16:18

Entirely depends how trustworthy they are.
Nap on sofa with them watching a film. Have sleep later.

mrtwitsglasseye · 22/12/2015 16:21

I would. My 8, 6 and 3 year olds would be fine watching a film. They could wake me if they needed to. They often come downstairs in the morning to get some fruit and a drink, play unattended in their room until we get up, that's no different.

whois · 22/12/2015 17:16

Glad you had a nap.

I think it seems fine if they don't normally fight or anything like that. TV and snacks for them - nap for you!

wallywobbles · 23/12/2015 02:17

Utterly fine. Certainly less dangerous than driving exhausted so why not. They can wake you if the eldest can't sort any issues. Go and have a couple of hours.

Fratelli · 23/12/2015 07:19

Yes it's fine! It's not like you're leaving them for a weekend! Agree with other pps about dvd, drinks and snacks. Happy napping!

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 23/12/2015 07:22

Yes go for it.

This thread is depressing , having a 9 year old who needs literally constant supervision like a year old.

I was out and about with my friend alone from age 8 and at home alone from 11 though and was fine.

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 23/12/2015 07:22

Not depressing as in anyone's fault, just a reminder of how it could be and how independent she could be.

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 23/12/2015 07:27
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