Thursday, June 7, 2012

(My) Mama Knows Best

Naps are for losers, yo!

My mom is here visiting.  This is awesome for all kinds of reasons, not the least of which is that she can offer parenting advice every other minute.  Now, normally I'd say this would be mildly to somewhat annoying, but right now we are in the thick of a naptime regression and I am losing my mind.  Does my son not realize that his naptime is for my ever important internet perusing?  I've already given up trying to use my phone for anything besides capturing his antics.  Please honey child, spare me the one vestige of sanity I have all day!  Fun times around these parts lately.

It started about a week ago when his nap shrank down from about 100-140 minutes to about 60-70 minutes.  Ouch.  That was miserable, though I had no idea what was to come.  Now, I'd be happy with an hour, considering it's been 30, 40 minutes in between shrieks and howls.  I have no idea what's causing this issue.  He's still sleeping 12 hours at night and doesn't experience major bodily harm upon waking like he must during the day to produce these horrendous screams.  Are his daydreams that scary?

So at least my mom is here to comfort him, especially when I'm quaking in fear that we're all losing the nap.  That cannot happen.  It will not stand. 

But, the main tidbit that my mom offered this week is to stop asking my son so many damn questions.  It's true!  I never noticed but I give him all the authority in our relationship.  Do you want to eat?  Is the food good?  Would you like some more?  Is it time to go to sleep?  Are you ready to brush your teeth? And on and on and on.  And on. 

She pointed out that I give him more agency than I give myself.  It's such a simple concept, but I only realized the power play once my mom mentioned it.  Also, I'm not exactly helping his language skillz by encouraging him to answer y/n to everything.  By trying to engage him in conversation, I'm probably doing exactly the opposite.  Strangely, I've noticed that he always answers "no" in a whisper and "yes" in a shout.  That's a good thing?  According to the gospel of my mama, instead of always asking him what he wants/needs/thinks, I should be telling him what's happening.  Might as well pretend like I have some idea.



6 comments:

  1. Girl I am sorry to say it does not get any better. My little one's nape went from 2 hours plus down to maybe 45 minutes a day and that is if she feels like it. I am like really? You don't want to nap I will take on for you. Good luck

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wah! I'm still in denial...today he napped for over two hours and I'm pretty sure I didn't move the whole time. Of course, tomorrow he probably won't nap at all. Thanks for the encouragement (and the fear), mama!

      Delete
  2. Ooo I'm going to try this at work with the sales reps. You WILL get me that report I asked you for last week. You DO want to buy me lunch and deliver it to my desk. NO, you WON'T be a total douche to me today.

    Yes. I think this will work nicely. Be sure to tell your Mom thanks for me. ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The possibilities are endless! Have at it, lady.

      Delete
  3. Ahhhh, ouch the shrinking nap. Been there two time now, and my advice: "may the force be with you". Good Luck Hun!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ouch! I was definitely not warned about this. Thanks for the support-I need the force!

      Delete