The demise of the daytime nap

19:47 Unknown 6 Comments

When the twins were still tiny, we worked hard to ensure that they were in a good, predictable routine (I think it's the only way to survive twins!). As a result they've always been good sleepers. They go to bed at 7pm and sleep until about 6/6.30am. They've also always had a couple of hours in the day, generally around lunchtime, even if we were out and about they would have a decent nap in their buggy.










As most parents of toddlers will know, this daytime nap is essential for keeping everyone sane! It gives exhausted parents a bit of a breather, a chance to have a coffee and restore the house to some sort of order (which is often destroyed five minutes after said child or children wake up!). And it ensures that tantrums are reduced (well sometimes) during the afternoon. The daytime nap is even more vital when you've got twins!

 A couple of weeks ago it became clear that the daytime nap was no longer to be! You can imagine my dismay at this. We'd put the twins to bed at 7pm as usual. Only they decided that they 10pm was actually a more sensible time for sleeping. Not great!

As much as I love the couple of hours peace that the daytime nap brings, evenings are sacred! I work part-time, so evenings are often spent cooking, catching up on house work and having some quality time with Simon. So, it was decided that from that day on the daytime nap had to go (sob)!

Since then, we've had no issues at bedtime and it's actually not been too bad. They occasionally nod off in the car or buggy, but as long as they don't have any longer than 20 mins, we're safe! One of the positives is that it gives us more freedom to go out in the day. We found that we'd often work around the nap, but we no longer have to worry about that anymore.

We occasionally have the odd day (today being one of them) where they wake early (5.30am) and then are absolute monsters come 5pm! I've spent the last couple of hours dealing with silly tantrums and trying everything to ensure they stay awake until bedtime (not fun)!

So, as much as I dreaded the arrival of the day when the daytime nap was no more, it hasn't been quite as bad as anticipated!

J xx
Mami 2 Five

6 comments :

  1. I love nap time and bed time! I am dreading when my little boy no longer needs one, but as you said, it does make you so much more flexible with doing things! Nice to know it isn't as bad as we think it might be #sundaystars

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    1. I do miss nap time, but it's not nearly as bad as you anticipate! Thanks for commenting Jemma x

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  2. Eurgh, my 2 year old is trying to drop her nap - not on nursery days though. The only thing I can do (on my day off) is take her for a drive to get her to sleep. Then go for a drive thru McD's for a McFlurry.
    Thanks for linking up to #SundayStars

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    1. Parenting can be so glamorous at times!! Enjoy your McFlurrys! Jemma x

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  3. I feel for you!!!! But once it is gone you kind of get over it *sobs*...! It means you can do more in the afternoon together. I do still get cranky twins though! Good luck love xx

    #sundaystars

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  4. The afternoon tantrums are definitely the hardest thing about them dropping the nap. If they're too bad though I just put them to bed slightly earlier!

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