I was perusing through pinterest for “quiet time for boys” ideas. And ran across a pin of a quiet time activity book and the pinner had written, “My boys would destroy this book, but what a great idea for someone whose child isnt destructive.”
I laughed out loud.
First, I wanted to say to her “I feel ya mama. My kids destroy stuff too.” But, I found it ironic that she decided to pin that sucker anyway. What was the purpose? To look at it longingly hoping that her kids would not be the destructive type? Or, to make it anyway in the off chance it doesn’t get destroyed? See, this is why I dislike pinterest. It makes me think too much. Yet, I can’t look away.
You see, my 4 year old hasn’t taken a nap in about 4 days. So, I’m getting desperate. And, where do all desperate mothers go to cure their woes and search for fantasy worlds where kids stay quiet during quiet time without the aid of television? Pinterest.
Once upon a time, my daughter outgrew naps too. But, I swear she started Kindergarten the next week. Yeah. I know. Nice, huh? But, the difference I’ve found between boys and girls is that they are different. Profound right? But, it’s true.
Avery used to whisper quietly to herself as she played in a corner with a few little toys. Kyle, bless his heart, has never whispered a word in his life. I used to be able to tell Avery that she had to quietly play in her room if she wanted to skip a nap. This does not work with Kyle. He comes out every 2 minutes asking for something (usually food), and the poor kid just wants to be in the same room with someone. He does not like alone time. Avery loves it.
So, I guess I’m going to have to learn how to blog with Elmo singing in the background, “Elmo loves goldfish…his crayons too!” If you’re unsure exactly how high-pitched Elmo’s voice can be, go here for reference. Oh well, it could be Dora. Yes. That would be worse.
And, so I’m not totally Miss Negativity here, I do think that this is a great idea that I found on Pinterest. I’m going to see if I can throw some boxes together this week for him. Because I need my down time just like he needs his. And, we all know that he watches enough TV.
I also had a brilliant idea while reading this Mom’s blog. She said that she tries to keep her toddler in his room for an hour and a half! An HOUR AND A HALF!? I scoff out loud. Impossible. Unlikely, I think. But, while I was thinking about that, I remembered this cute little stuffed animal that Kyle has.
Is that a crayon mark on my wall? Nice.
He’s a time-out frog if you want to get technical. Yet, he has a max of one hour time-out capability. ONE HOUR? Please tell me people aren’t putting their child in time-out for an hour?
But when I was desperate for potty training ideas, he was re-named the potty frog. We were lacking in creativity when we came up with that name, weren’t we? But he saved my life. So, I owe a lot to this frog. I really do. It was the ONLY thing that worked with Kyle. I had tried it all, yet, this frog swooped in, and saved the day. He’s a miracle worker in my own home. Just the act of getting to set the timer fixed all my potty training dilemmas. So, I felt kind of bad for the frog when I found him sitting high up on a closet shelf today.
But, we can re-invent him again can’t we? I mean, celebrities do it all the time after being used up and tossed aside. Look at Britney. I feel like I owe Mr. Time-Out Potty Frog that much. Yet, he needs a better name. Like, “Mommy can have it all frog”, or “Take THAT no more nap time”. OK, obviously, I need some help in the naming department.
But, back to my brilliant idea. I thought I will continue to put him down for “naps” everyday and attempt nap time for a while still, but when he comes out, I can try and, manipulate convince him to stay put in the playroom that is closer to me for an hour at that point by setting his frog timer. What do you think? Think it will work? I just need a better name for this miracle frog to convince the 4 year old that it’s a good idea. Ideas are welcome and encouraged. This Mommy really doesn’t want to listen to Elmo in the background while she is blogging. Help a mama out!
Kyle’s quote of the day: As he is walking in the house with wet shoes. “Can you take your shoes off ?” “But, they’re waterproof!”
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No help here…I hate when Jp naps! It means my “nighttime routine sentence” (yes, like prison) is longer and harder. No nap and it’s 15 minutes and minimal drama. When he takes the nap it takes forever. 🙂
How did potty training frog work? I’m failing at potty training and none of the traditional bits are working…but he seems ready. Maybe I’m just reaching. 🙂
Well, it was something about being able to set the timer himself. So, since it was a max of 1 hour, that means he had to go at least every hour. Yet, usually, he set the timer for like 15 minutes or sometimes 30. I let go of reminding him, and let the frog do it for him. Since he set the time, he felt some sense of control I guess?
Hmm, I wonder if you could re-invent it, but a twist on the old potty frog. He has to pick at least 15 minutes, and all the way up to an hour, for quiet time? Maybe?
Monkey was getting up at 5-something fairly regularly, and in desperation I bought this Bunny Clock (totally adorable). It only took a couple of days for him to get the idea that if Bunny is sleeping he stays in bed.
It doesnt stop him from waking up, and we cosleep so I get woken too, but at least I can stay in bed with my eyes closed while he nurses and pretend I’m still sleeping! He checks the clock periodically and knows he can get up when Bunny does!
I fully intend to use Bunny as an excuse for quiet time when he outgrows naps (he’s 20 months atm and I’m dreading the end of naps!). Maybe it would work for you?
I have to be honest, I gave up trying to keep Doe quiet in his room/napping when he turned three. It was just too impossible!!! I mourned my “down time”…..but I also started wearing earplugs more often……it helped tremendously. Good Luck with the froggy….let us know if it works!!