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| These are the favorite activity I refer to below. Asleep with it on her head! |
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| Literally, asleep with the bin on top of her. Pictures neatly lined up on the side. |
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| Flashlight in hand! |
The easiest way to share my nap time miracle is through this blog and I have been contemplating how to document David's 15th month which has been filled with milestones, so I may update from time to time.
So... Margo started dropping her naps almost every day of the week. She was loud and disruptive in her room, waking David, making a mess and fraying my nerves. Reluctantly, I resorted to the television and would try to sneak in a few winks or take a breather, but I knew this was not the long term solution I was looking for. Thank you Pinterest... I found this blog post (with great suggestions)and although I was afraid to make a wasted investment I did not see a better choice in the matter.
I created five quiet time bins for Margo on the days she is not in school. I bought the bins, along with several fillers at the Dollar Store and in the dollar section at Target. I also used the mounds of extra stickers, coloring books, magnetic paper dolls I had on hand, etc... My original investment was about $50.
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| The bins stacked in our closet. |
I took these pictures to show someone else and they speak for themselves in terms of content. I try to add a new sheet of stickers and have recently started hoarding fast food kid meal prizes to include in the bins each week.
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| Calculator, lace and trace card, mini doodle pad, etc... |
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| A travel play pack from the Target dollar section with colors, stickers, etc... plus the other contents. |
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| Bug Catcher with ladybug from Sonic, mini flashlight, color wonder rainbow marker and paper, etc... (She loves mittens) |
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| A pop-up Ariel brush and mirror from the Dollar Store is a fave item, color balls to sort, etc... |
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| Color Wonder markers and paper, silly putty, etc... |
What I have learned is that if Margo has something fun to do to keep her focus, she will quietly work with her quiet time bin and often fall asleep. Her favorite activity of the moment is Invisible Ink books that I can find at both Target and the Dollar Store for $3. Unfortunately, she colors the whole book during quiet time and we get one use, but that $3 is worth a break for me. She might get one of those special items like the Invisible Ink every two weeks or so, otherwise we keep it standard and she still very much enjoys stickers, coloring, her books, etc...
What has ensued is a much happier and well behaved child. Why? #1: She is getting better rest. #2: We are no longer having a battle of wills over nap time and she feels in control of the situation. #3: She views the quiet time bin as a fun and exciting treat and she looks forward to it.
I have designated quiet time for one mandatory hour. She rests in her sleeping bag in our master bedroom (most days) because it is fun and different for her and she is away from our sensitive sleeper, David's room. I was shocked after the newness wore off and I started finding her asleep when I went to check on her. Hallelujah!!! What resulted was more rest for me and an easier evening for our whole family. I would say she falls asleep about 75% of the time. Most days, she asks when is quiet time and she cannot wait for her quiet time.
It has been such a success that the work I put into it is worth it and I now have a method to my madness. I keep the bin out after her quiet time, update it and place it back in my closet for the next week. I think like an adult reading in bed, the quiet time bin helps Margo to slow down her little body and brain and focus on something, which in turn, puts her to sleep. I have been told by many people that they have not encountered a more high energy child and this has been my miracle. I hope to continue it until kindergarten and change it up to where she can practice her handwriting and do more sophisticated projects as she matures.
If you have a toddler that is struggling with nap time, I really suggest you give this a try. I realize that each child is different and frankly, I was skeptical, but it has been such a blessing for our whole family! Thank goodness for my discovery of quiet time bins.
