So, I really look forward to that time of day when the house is quiet, no-one is demanding anything from me, and I can do whatever I want to do in peace. I usually eat my lunch over naptime. It's my only quiet, stress-free meal of the day. And, I do stuff on the computer over naptime. Lately, I've been working on this blog. But, before this, I was spending the time on Facebook.
I sometimes feel guilty for not utilizing this time to get more done around the house. I certainly don't get much done when the boys are awake! While there are days that I do get some housework accomplished over naptime, I also feel like this is my only break during the day. With the big boys awake between 6-6:30 a.m. and the baby finally tuckering out between 9:30-10 p.m., I think I put in more than enough hours.
Sometimes people are surprised to find out that my 4 (almost 5) year old still naps. It's not to say that he doesn't moan and groan about it...because he does. And, there are days that I hear him bumping around upstairs and I know he's not sleeping. But, for the most part he still sleeps over this time. His body would probably be fine without a nap. But, you know what? I need him to take that nap. And, so, I enforce naptime. Does that make me a mean mommy?
If you think that makes me a mean mommy, then this next confession makes me even meaner. I will often make my first grader take a nap as well on days he's home from school. And, on Sundays, we ALL take naps...Mommy & Daddy too. It's just something that works for us.
I do realize there is coming a day very soon where my older boys will definitely be beyond an age where I can continue to have them take naps. (Although,if it were up to me they'd still be napping at 16!) Even so, I think it's still a good idea to have a quiet time of some sort in the afternoons. We can all benefit from slowing down just a bit.
For now, I'll enjoy the bit of a respite that I have.
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