Dear Mama Laura,
I heard the call from the frustrated mother whose child would not nap. I was so thankful to hear you telling her that you can't make someone go to sleep and I wanted to share my story.
I also had a child who would not nap. I spent many hours being frustrated just like your caller. It did not help that my friends also pushed me to get my child to nap so I could have time to myself. I will never forget the glorious day I talked to my pediatrician and he said exactly what you told the caller. In addition he stated some kids are not nappers. Forcing them is a waste of energy and just an unnecessary power struggle. In addition, he said I would find my child would sleep better and earlier. He was so right about this! After I stopped forcing him to nap he started falling asleep earlier and me and my adorable hubby got some extra time together!! It was glorious!!!
Another tip to add is from an older mom who gave me the best advice in entertaining my toddler during "down time". She told me to buy a few things at garage sales and put them in buckets. These buckets ONLY come out during down time and the buckets rotated. This created an extra excitement that made me less appealing to my kids during these times. It was genius!
And lastly, you are my one and only mom, and because of you I turned out fine. Thank you so very much! And my non-napping toddler is now 13!! He is turning out pretty darn good too. You would really enjoy him. In fact the other day, I asked "Who would be a better mom than me?" Being a smarty pants, he turned without missing a beat and said "Dr. Laura". Hahahaha!
Monica
