Something that most definitely works in our house is nap times. I know nap times are pretty normal for those age 3 and down but at our house we have nap/rest time for every child and mother. (Ken is usually at work but even if home does not participate. :-)Our method: After lunch we read the Bible together as well as a story or two (usually an educational book and a story book) and then everybody is off to their own bed for around 1 hour. Not everybody sleeps (Mara (8) never does unless sick and Jonathan (6) does only very rarely and Aaron (4) doesn't always either) but everybody lies down quietly. Everybody is allowed (including Megan (2) ) to have books with them to look at or read. I almost always lie down too, I usually read for around 1/2 hour and then nap for around 20 minutes. After I get up then I go tell those that are still awake that they can get up but they are supposed to be reasonably quiet until everybody is awake.
Why it works for us:
- We have far less grumpiness in the evenings. That includes everybody! Megan and Aaron are the most likely to display grumpiness if a nap is missed but if the older kids or I miss that down time we are more likely to be grumpy as well.
- I have way more energy in the evenings. It helps me to be able to have the energy to work hard all afternoon and into the evening if that is the plan. I can also be a better wife for Ken when he comes home. I am not to tired after supper to get everything cleaned up.
- Many Americans including young mothers and children are not getting the sleep that they need. Nap times help to ensure that we do and then we can (hopefully!) stay healthier.
- We are together most of the time as a family. This is good but alone time is good too. Our rest time gives us the alone time we need so we can better appreciate all of our together time.
What do you think? Do you like nap times or is that something that doesn't work at your house?
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Quiet time or nap time is wonderful. We also feel more refreshed when we have some down time during the day.
ReplyDeleteMy 6 year old has outgrown naps and my 3 yr old doesn't take long naps. But rest time sounds like a great idea, I might try it. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteWe too have a mandatory nap/rest time everyday. I wouldn't have it any other way. It really does help me make it through the rest of my day.
ReplyDeleteI love nap time. Since the boys are still so young they both take long naps. I almost always lay down when they both are sleeping. It definitely allows me to catch up on some of the sleep I most definitely missed the night before and gives me that extra boost to make it through till bed. I agree that it does help our marriage too because I'm not always so tired at night.
ReplyDeleteLove rest time even though we are about to grow out of actually napping. I turn on the clock radio to sleep which is an hour. I tell the girls they can get up when the music goes off!
ReplyDeleteI always love to hear how other moms use/inforce rest time! Thanks for sharing!
For sure nap time is great! Our 10minute reading and 10 minute sleep helps for the rest of the day! mom
ReplyDeleteWe do pretty much the same thing. It makes such a HUGE difference in the day...and older friend of mine gave me the idea. She had five grown kids, and even through high school, all kids (even company) knew that if they were home they had to be in their "quiet" space.
ReplyDeleteWe let Anthony listen to books on tape/CD. He LOVES that.