2 year old DS is dropping his nap... how do I manage without Neighbours and a Cuppa?

[GordontheGopher]

I need coping mechanisms!

He's going to bed now at a decent time... but the last hour before bed is so stressful as he's so tired. Any tips?

P.S. he woke at 5am this morning so I should catch an episode today .

this stage is a bloody nightmare. you just have to grit your teeth until they start pre-school.

Bugger. Thanks anyway!

I've just gone through this. I was so gutted not to have that wind down time after lunch. It is rotten - the house is messier, I'm wearier, and there are now some corking 'I'm really really tired now' tantrums.

However, it's not as bad as I initially thought it would be. For a start, the day isn't restricted to before nap time and after nap time (when there wasn't much time to do anything before dinner anyway). This means we often have a quiet morning at home (when she's in good spirits), then go out in the afternoon to keep occupied.

To begin with, I tried to instigate 'quiet time' in her room with some books and story cds, but it didn't really work. As long as we have some down time in the day - a short DVD, some stories, or just a cuddle on the sofa I can keep the tiredness away a bit.

Good luck!

the rule is still 'quiet time', oh, and make him stand up to eat his dinner so he doesn't get sauce on his forehead when he falls asleep...
I am sooooooo glad it's you not me.

cuddle on the sofa after lunch in front of a dvd or cbeebies

i just sit and sob and remember my lunch break

I think as they drop it, they need to still nap maybe 3 or 4 times a week, then 2 or 3, then finally once a week and this can help with the REALLY tired evenings.