sweetisu

Our usual routine during naps (and night time) includes singing a couple of songs before tucking Seb into bed. And because he’s a 3-year-old, the songs has to be in specific order and they have to be certain ones that HE choose. If I stray from said pattern, then be prepared to suffer the wrath and tantrum to follow. For a long while, this has worked pretty well. He gets his naps in, and I get some time off to breath and maybe go to the bathroom in peace. But lately I have to go into his room several times AFTER I obey stringent orders (to sing) before he will actually go to sleep. And even then, there are times when I have to use threats to get him to take a nap.

I think the inevitable is near. He is almost done with afternoon naps. Crap.

Thing is, I’m fine with it if he doesn’t nap. What I’m NOT fine with is, if he DOESN’T nap, then by dinnertime he’s usually a total mess (he rises for the day around 5 or 6a.m. - NOT kidding - and therefore he really should take a nap). Whining and bursting into tears every few minutes, at nothing and no one in particular — typical 3yr old behavior but amplified 1000x. Anything and everything I do / say can trigger it. It is downright annoying and difficult not to lose my patience.

If you have any insights as to what to do during these transitional weeks/months, I would greatly appreciate it. Even if you don’t, I don’t mind if you whine along with me and share your experiences about toddler and nap time.