Nap Time is Highly Underrated. For Moms, That is.

Everyday after I put my daughter in her toddler bed, I lay on the bed in the bed next to her and watch her fall asleep. It's our little thing. Not by choice, that is. It has to be our thing or she won't go to sleep. Believe me, it's a treat considering how I used to HOLD her for naps way back when. And then there was the rocking, singing, patting thing I had to do.

So, laying in a bed next to hers? That's a treat.

On most days, I pretend to go to sleep - closing my eyes as she watches me intently. I think it helps her know that it's okay to do the same.

And then I creep out, sit in front of the computer, and enjoy the short hour of quiet time where I don't need to feel guilty for not playing with anyone, or talking to someone.

But today, I didn't pretend. I actually let myself fall asleep. And when I was awoken by her little hand touching my head, I realized that maybe the naps aren't just for her. And perhaps, she's making me lay down with her for a reason.

Because moms need naps too. More than we know.

--

New to the blogs? Drop me a comment and say hello! And then peruse my categories and come back often. Oh. And check out Cool Mom Picks, the best shopping weblog for moms. Lots of free giveaways and cool stuff.

Yes. I have no shame.

Comments

[Denise]

How long do you normally nap during the day and do you nap at a certain time?

[Stephanie]

Nap time, ha! Easier said than done, my 3 1/2 month sometimes won't let me nap so I put him on my belly skin to skin contact and he falls alseep and then I lay him next to me in my bed cuz it helps my PPD (Depression) and knowing he's there with me, he is my 1st miracle child being at 4'6" tall and 1st time mom. He is spoiled but I don't care I love him so much. I try to nap same time with him. He is my handsome boy. I love him.

[Leonor]

Naps are necessary sometimes. There are days when we just need to recharge our batteries to keep going. No one should feel guilty for taking a nap. The world won't fall apart if we take a nap...instead it might be a better place when we wake up fully rested and ready to take it on!

[Amelia C.]

if i didn't get naps, i think i would become a narcoleptic.. seriously, there have been times that i have sat down on the couch and fallen asleep sitting up w/ the kids... anyone who says we don't need naps needs to do our job for 1 week... the cook, the maid, the chauffer, the nurse, the doctor, the handywoman, the teacher, the veterinarian, the encyclopedia, the 'mender of broken barbies', the fashion consultant, and the loving mom- not to mention the wife, lover, and confidant to a husband... and a lot of us are also the bank and financial supervisors/ consultants... zzzzzzzzzzzzzz sorry... dozed off there!!!

[Dawn]

I work at home while taking care of a 6 month old and a 17 month old. I also have a 10 yr old and I am married. Needless to say my time is completely stretched. But, I do find time to get a nap in here and there. It is a good refresher and helps me continue with my busy day. I love snuggling with my two babies during naptime.

[Brenda]

I think that a nap is a good thing for moms to take. I take a nap with my boys whenever I can.

[Lydia]

My children are older; 14 and 18 and only one still lives at home. But on the weekends, a nap is a MUST. My 14 year old feels the same way about naps. We need that "refresher" to continue with the rest of the day. Three cheers for the NAP!!!

[Tiffani]

Well I wish you ladies would show me how to do it with five kids. From ages 15, 13,61/2, 5,3 and one on the way. My three year old goes to sleep in the van on the way to picking up the other kids from school. I have been at home mom since 1999. I am thirty-seven and married. I just put my three year old in pre-school which I was very skeptical about, until I found one with a pleasant enviorment. I have from 9a.m- 11:50 a.m. I so use to kids making noise in the house that instead of coming home and going to lay down or take a nap like I should I either go shopping or get coffee and then come home and watch t.v, read or have personal time with God. It is going to take time for me to get uset to being alone in the house those three hours or so. Anyway sorry for boring you. Just needed to talk to someone with a listening ear for a change.

[TERRI]

I LOVED THE DAYS WHEN I WAS STAYING AT HOME, AND COULD GET A NAP WHEN I PUT MY 2 LITTLE ONES DOWN. NOW I AM AT WORK, AND I WANT TO TAKE A NAP RIGHT NOW! WE MAKE A POINT IN OUR HOUSE SATURDAY'S ARE LAYED BACK OR ON THE GO. MY 3 YEAR OLD GETS THE OPTION OF TAKING A NAP, MANDATORY FOR MY 1 YEAR OLD. BUT SUNDAY'S.... ALL 4 OF US TAKE A NAP. I DON'T KNOW WHAT'S BETTER, SNUGGLING WITH MY HUSBAND IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY, OR MY BABIES?????

[Kathy]

This is very true. When I put my five year old down for a nap. She always asks me am I taking a nap too. She's adorable.
Naps are really important for moms. We need that power nap to get through the rest of the day.

[Mista]

I love nap times... And sleeping during them is awesome! *L* I have two girls, 1yr 3m and a 2yr 10m, and even though I don't get to fall asleep with them (Nap times had to be done with the oldest in her bed and the youngest in my bed, with me, for the longest time) it's nice to just chill... If that means having a nap myslef or going online... ANY rest is nice. But I do miss the snuggles.

[Janeen]

I always feel like I could be much more productive at work if I could take a nap during the day. I miss having a little one who naps.

[jandzsmom]

Right now you need the nap. When I was about 7 mos. along with #2, I would lay on the floor while my 2.5 y.o. played with his kiddie educational computer software. He would poke me awake whenever he needed help or a CD changed. Too much computer time, I realize, but when you're pregnant and have a toddler you do what you gotta do and my toddler stopped napping at a year old.

[Melissa]

Naps rock!!! I am a firm beliver in napping especially when pregnant.

[tracey]

And now more than ever, my pregnant friend.

Remember what Ms.Huffington said, about the problem of lack of sleep in our society? She speaks the truth.

Nap, nap, nap.

[Tonya]

I am the Queen of Naps. I was so glad when my little ones were old enough to fend for themselves while I napped on the weekends. Heaven on earth. Of course, I would love it even more if one of mine would be still long enough to curl up with me and catch a snooze every once in a while.

[Her Bad Mother]

Oh, yes. Yes yes yes yes.

Sleep - good. Naps - better. Naps with babes - best.

[mamatulip]

This is the sweetest post. I love lying with Julia -- we call it "scooching". I can't tell you how many times I've fallen asleep beside her. You have to cherish those moments...they're fleeting.

[Jaime]

I love being woken up by Grace. The best alarm clock in the world. BTW---I want a nap now!

[Michelle]

Nap time is the best! I love to curl up with my little one and nap, she's the best snuggler. She strokes my face and says "oh baby" it's just the sweetest thing!

[Janet]

I live for naps. Always have and always will. Good for you for indulging. See, you'r daughter knows what you need more that you do sometimes...Great!

[sunShine]

I think naps are definately for moms. I like to nap on the weekends when I am home with my little one. It is nice and refreshing.

[mothergoosemouse]

So sweet. I resist the falling asleep together routine, but when it does happen, waking up to snuggles is pretty nice.