Do your toddlers wake up from their naps with what I call “the crankies”? Mine do and I’ve tried to develop some strategies to combat it, because my sanity suffers when my kids are whiny.
Whether he has had a short or a long nap, New Kid almost always wakes from his nap with a seriously cranky attitude. One of my strategies to distract him from this tidal wave of whining is to set up, while he is sleeping, his favorite toys (vehicles of all sorts) in an intriguing new arrangement, which I think will capture his interest and prompt some imaginative play. For example:
This particular arrangement was so successful it led to about an hour of play between him and his brother (in case you are wondering how I have time for so much reading). Getting my boys to play together is always a huge bonus!!
In fact, a whole new civilization was created. Hurrah!
How do you tame the post-nap crankies?
MaryAnne says
This is a fantastic idea! I think I'll steal it =)
I've done a similar thing to tame the early morning grouchies, with great success, but never thought to add it for after naps.
Raising a Happy Child says
Brilliant!
Jamie @ hands on : as we grow says
Ah! You have the post-nap crankies too! I've never understood them, but my son has a serious case of them! If I have an activity waiting for him, it does seem to help – or at least something to DO. If its just a sit around and let him play – that doesn't work for him.
Laurie says
Post-Nap Crankies are the worst. Totally unexplainable and hard to be coaxed out of. Thanks for the idea!