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Original poster

how to fill the gap left by not having a daytime nap?

8 replies

GoingPostal · 15/04/2010 16:17

ds is nearly 3 and is sleeping less and less during the day. I am at home with him 5 days out of 7 (he goes to nursery the other days) and am a lone parent - and find a 12-13hr day with him rather long now there is less of a break for a nap.

any advice on how to fill the gap and achieve a little bit of peace and quiet each day would be very welcome please.

thought about putting a film on but he is already allowed a bit of TV while I am in shower in the mornings, and a bit after tea so this would be a last or occasional resort.

he finds it very hard to do his own thing even for a few minutes at the moment, talks non-stop and tries very hard to have everything his own way.

all in all I am finding it very hard work when his sleep is short or doesn't happen!

TIA

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Original poster
GoingPostal · 15/04/2010 18:51

bump

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shesdrivingmecrazy · 15/04/2010 18:53

Well it's great he's napped until 3.

My DD stopped at 19 months. I started letting her watch more telly as otherwise neither of us get any downtime.

So I'm not much help!

Original poster
GoingPostal · 15/04/2010 19:31

oh sympathy for you on that! i love nap time! he's great when he's awake but he just doesn't stop moving, talking, needing, wanting!!! perhaps TV is my answer!

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shesdrivingmecrazy · 15/04/2010 20:56

TV is the answer

Bumping in case someone more virtuous than me has any ideas

snickersnack · 15/04/2010 20:58

TV. You could sit next to him while he watches and read a book if you want to feel vaguely virtuous.

bumbums · 15/04/2010 20:58

Yes tv is really the only answer.

BosomForAPillow · 15/04/2010 21:02

I read "No Cry Nap Solution" a while ago...I can't remember exact details but it suggested having some kind of "Quiet time" once they grow out of napping and suggested some quiet activities to do whilst lounging on a beanbag or something.

Sorry, not much help but you could get the book!

mrsgboring · 15/04/2010 21:09

Craft / drawing type activities work for us. DS1 is a bit older now but round about 3 years he started to be a lot more independent with craft, painting, drawing etc. A big box of junk, loads of paper, a roll of sellotape on a dispenser he can work himself, and concentrate on gradually withdrawing from the activity until he can do it all independently. Playdough with loads of tools for poking it too.

Messes up your house a bit, but protect furniture and turn your back. MN from a discreet distance.

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