Friday, September 23, 2011

Parenting Practices

I'm trying to teach my 1 year old to nap on his own. He won't nap anywhere by my arms and as much as I love cuddling him, being on the couch for 3+ hours a day while also being a mother to 2 other kids, a part time student, and everything else I need (and WANT) to do is just not possible. I had to add the "want" there. I don't think it is too much to ask to be able to lay him down for a nap and have a couple hours where I'm not in mommy-mode. Though I know that I'll just pick up my "student" hat, so it's not like I'm eating bonbons and having a pedicure (which, I totally deserve).

Some call the way I parent "Attachment Parenting" but I really just call it "what works for Valerie." I breastfeed my children. It has taken work at times to do so, but it is something I value, so I do it. I also practice what is called "extended" breastfeeding, but at the age of 2 I work actively to wean them. At that point I also insist that they start out the night in their own beds. It has worked for 2/3 children (though there are mornings that our king sized bed feels cramped), so I hope it works well this time around too.

I also have a problem with hearing my kids cry. It's like nails on a chalkboard and I will do anything to make it stop. That is why I'm having the nap problem now. I couldn't bring myself to have him fuss for a bit, and now he's very upset when he is put down (even if he is sleepy or sleeping). So I feel like I'm paying for it double now. I'm not doing this because I'm "supposed" to, I'm sure that I'm breaking the AP rules completely. I just noticed that what we were doing was not working for either of us. He doesn't get restful sleep, I don't get to accomplish what needs to be done, and we're both pretty cranky right now.

How did you get your kids to nap on their own?

2 comments:

  1. I have some ideas that we could talk about the next time we see each other, but mostly, I just wanted to tell you you're doing a great job!

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  2. Thank you :) It feels so good to hear that, especially when it is rough.

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