I have two boys ages two and under and they are so cranky after afternoon nap time. Any tips for surviving until bedtime? – a follower
The last 4-5 hours of the day can be so hard when you have little ones. Here are a few ideas that have worked for us over the years:
1. Have a Routine.
Kids thrive on some consistency — and it can be such a help to you, too. After they wake up from their nap, have a simple plan of what you will do between nap time and bed time. I’ve found that this helps things feel less chaotic, it usually means there is less crying and crankiness, and I feel calmer because we have a simple plan.
Tip: Don’t plan specific times. Just plan an order of events to follow.
Example routine:
- As soon as they wake up from their nap, we’ll have a snack and read a story together (while they are eating).
- Then we’ll get shoes on and go out for a walk in the double stroller.
- Next, we’ll come back in and watch a 30-minute show (while Mom quickly makes sure that the house is clean and finishes dinner prep).
- Then, we’ll wash hands and eat dinner.
- After dinner, we’ll take baths, get jammies on, and read a bedtime story.
- Finally, we’ll pray together, sing a song, and get tucked into bed.
2. Don’t plan to get anything done after nap time.
Mentally prepare that the only thing you’ll be doing between afternoon nap time and bed time is just spending time with your little ones. That way, you aren’t feeling frustrated if they are cranky. Instead, you planned that they would need your full attention!
3. Save the best for last.
If there are things your littles especially love, save those to do after nap time. Don’t plan to do anything that requires mental effort or emotional bandwidth. If your littles love baths, watching a show, or certain books or activities, plan to do those after nap time.
4. Have a few changes of scenery.
Take a walk with the double stroller. Put them in their car seats and go drive around for a little while. Go play in a different part of the house. Bring out toys they only get to play with after nap time.
5. Give yourself lots and lots of grace.
Have a toddler and a baby is a lot of work. Make sure you are filling up your tank and also saving something you enjoy/can look forward to for the after nap time, too. Maybe listen to an audiobook while you take them on a walk, or turn on music you love while you play with the, or make a cup of tea and have a treat while you sit and watch a show with them.
What advice would you add for this mama of two littles? Share in the comments1
Take time to refuel and refresh your tank — you can’t just give and give without ever replenishing your supply!
Stacey says
With two little ones 16 mths. apart we kept to a routine and schedule as far as events ( afternoon/nightly walk, bath time is a calmer, their favorite calming music, decrease lighting). We did early to bed since I would nurse before leaving to teach and I needed down time too.
I would love to see suggestions for cranky teens after getting home from school. I know my first thing/gut reaction is to feed them. Them give them time to decompress from their day and talk if they want to discuss the day. Any others have suggestions?
Crystal Paine says
Are they cranky because they are upset or just tired? I’ve found that my teens usually need some time in their room to decompress and relax a little when they come back home. I totally get it, because I’m the same way… when I’ve been gone all day, I just like to have a little down time and quiet to kind of recharge first. I usually try to make sure there is food, a smile, and space to breathe. Plus, I’ll usually tell them something funny or interesting that happened during my day and ask how their day was… usually, if they need to process something or talk about something, it will come out then.
Stacey says
It could be a either. Food and space is definitely a must! I like the idea of sharing something funny from the day will try that. Normally its the first half hour to hour.
Val Clark says
This kind of practical information can be life saving when you are in the throes of mama fog and exhaustion, lol. Thanks for such practical advice. One other strategy is prep dinner either during happy morning hours or during nap. Thanks for all you do. 🙂
Crystal Paine says
YES! Prepping dinner early is such a good suggestion!
Linda Grzyb says
Just wondering what youtube channels Kiersten watches.
Crystal Paine says
Her favorite is Rachel and the Treeschoolers. She usually watches one episode every afternoon.
Elisabeth says
My oldest two are 13 months apart when they where little I would lay with them and read a story till they went down for a nap then do as much housework as possible while they slept. After they got up they had fun time while I made dinner then bath time which they always loved and then family worship and bed. Thankfully mine have pretty much always been happy when they wake up. Of and they love going to the park or even just a walk
Jordan says
That’s so great! Thanks for sharing your routine! -Jordan, MSM Team
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so much for sharing what worked for you!
Kristine Fischer says
I once heard somewhere (can’t remember where! ) that “if you have crabs put them in water”
I’ve remembered it often through the years. If they get cranky I put them in the bath just to play and they love it! They can even wear swim suits and pretend to swim if they want.
It might not be feasible everyday, but it’s good to keep in the bag of tricks!
Jordan says
That’s such a great idea! Thanks for sharing! -Jordan, MSM Team
Crystal Paine says
Such a great tip!
S says
I had 2 under two years and found routine was great for the entire day. I’d say to be sure naps overlap as much as possible so you can maximize mommy time of chores, food prep, paperwork, etc so you can concentrate on the little when they wake. Also, as mine both required naps but not the same length of time due to one being closer to two, I had them nap in separate rooms for a time so the older didn’t wake the younger to get up and play or whatever business she thought should occur after napping. Give yourself grace, too. I have learned so much about grace since mine were little and wish I’d had even more back then, but it’s still helpful in the teen years too.
Jordan says
Thank you so much for sharing your tips! -Jordan, MSM Team
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so much for your great tips here!
Stephanie says
Are they waking up cranky, or do they just get cranky throughout the night?
If it’s the first, then examine what the schedule is before nap time. If it’s the latter, then just hang in there! Only thing I can see is that maybe they need more quiet time after dinner instead of activities? Overstimulation?
You are a great mom! I just came here to encourage you and I hope this reads that way!