Jude's naps are becoming shorter and less reliable. I knew he wouldn't nap forever, but I had started taking his nap time for granted. And to the primary caretaker of a little one, nap time is often the only alone time you get.
I put together a little list of do's and don't's for making the most of this precious you-time.
While your child naps DO:
- take a nap...seriously, go lie down.
- call a friend, and have an adult conversation without interruptions.
- log a little screen time, watch that reality TV show your husband hates or catch up on your blog reading; if you limit your child's screen time, getting yours in while they sleep makes sense.
- take a long shower or soak in the tub, paint your toenails, pamper yourself.
- create; this is the very best time to work on a creative hobby. Most days you'll find me at the sewing machine, if only for a few minutes.
- set up an after-nap activity, I find our afternoons go much more smoothly when I am prepared for them, a few minutes to set out the paints or plan a walk does wonders.
Basically, take nap time for yourself. You deserve it, and it will make you a better parent.
While your child naps DON'T:
- clean, they can help with that.
- do the dishes, wait until your partner is home to help out.
- do laundry, this chore is actually fun for kids.
- cook, toddlers love to help in the kitchen or wait until you've got a helping hand.
In a nutshell, don't waste your nap time doing things you can do while your child is awake or that are much easier when your partner is home to pitch in.
Caretakers of the world, I urge you: claim nap time as your own. Recharge, relax, it's what naps are for! Get it while the getting's good.
Here's to enjoyable naptimes for all!
