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Whatever You Do, Don’t Disturb My Sleeping Child!
Parenting
By: Jessica Collins
Aug. 31, 2023
Yes, I’m that mom who’s quite strict about her kids’ sleep routines. My entire day revolves around their nap times, and I dread returning home too close to bedtime. If I receive an invitation that falls around naptime, I can’t help but feel a surge of irritation, wishing the universe would align with my kids’ sleep needs.
I’m joking—mostly. The reality is that sticking to a consistent sleep schedule keeps everyone in my family content. My children flourish within the boundaries of routine, and without adequate rest, they morph into little gremlins. While some kids can forgo sleep and merely get a bit sluggish, mine only become more hyper and chaotic when they miss their naps.
My kids are not the type to doze off in the midst of a busy café or at a park. I’ve seen other children curl up and drift off anywhere, but my little ones weren’t gifted with that talent. They would never voluntarily close their eyes, and when I finally manage to get them to sleep, it has to be in a dark, quiet space, free from distractions.
I know there’s a plethora of advice suggesting that babies should adapt to noisy environments to sleep anywhere. In hindsight, perhaps I should have embraced that strategy more when they were younger. But maybe my kids are just overly energetic and can’t ignore the world around them when they’re tired. Whatever the reason, that’s how they’ve always been, and I’ve learned to accept it.
And let’s be honest: their nap time is my sacred time. That’s when I can either rest or catch up on work, and I crave that time just like anyone else. Being a mom is incredibly demanding, with few breaks, and those I do get feel like a precious gift. I understand that life can’t pause for my kids’ sleep, and while I try to be flexible, nothing should interfere with their slumber—nothing.
I thought I would loosen up about these issues as I gained more experience as a mother. While I have relaxed on many aspects of parenting over the years, I still maintain a firm stance on sleep routines even after nine years. My first child stopped napping at 2 ½, but my second, at 3 ½, still enjoys his daily nap (and trust me, nothing is going to disrupt that).
Just yesterday, the utility company showed up to read the meter located in my son’s room. Upon hearing the knock—thank goodness we don’t have a working doorbell—I sprang into action. When I opened the door, I noticed it was a new technician, unlike the one who usually arrives early before my son’s nap. This poor guy was visibly sweating, but I had to politely decline his request to enter because naptime is sacred in our household.
When I asked if he could return later, he chuckled and said, “Sure! Happens to me all the time. Kids need their naps!” I let out a sigh of relief, realizing I’m not alone in my strict approach. For years, I felt guilty about being such a sleep-time enforcer, but I’m over that. My kids need their rest, and I need that time to get things done.
So listen up, world: My son naps daily at 1 p.m. Please refrain from mowing your lawn right outside his window then, and avoid banging on my front door. And to my older child: Keep yourself entertained quietly, whether it’s reading, gaming (with headphones, please), or playing outside. Just don’t come running to me asking for snacks. Whisper, tiptoe, do whatever it takes to maintain the peace.
Quiet! The baby’s sleeping. Disturb him, and you’ll face my wrath.
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Summary
In this article, Jessica Collins discusses her strict approach to her children’s sleep routines, emphasizing that their nap times are crucial for the entire family’s well-being. She shares her experiences and the challenges she faces to maintain those routines, highlighting the importance of quiet during her children’s sleep hours. Ultimately, she conveys that while life may not pause for her children’s naps, she prioritizes their rest for everyone’s happiness.