We see my 2 1/2 year old grandson 2-3 times per week and every time we do our family has to endure crying, tantrums, fussing, you name it which goes on and on. I have told my kids that they need to put their child down for a nap each day. They hear me but don't say anything back. I have tried to reason with them about the fact that a nap for my grandson is healthy for him. That he needs a structured time to rest his brain. Lately they are telling me when I mention a nap that my grandson is sick is why he is fussy. I know better. It is getting to the point that I don't even want to be around him. Anyone with any advice? By the way, I kept him today and guess what he got? That's right, a nap and he was happy the remainder of the day.
2007-01-03 17:51:39 · 10 answers · asked by Last Minute A 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
That ain't a nap problem, that's a discipline problem.
2007-01-03 17:53:56 · answer #1 · answered by RiverGirl 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You're probably right about the nap---but your grandson is their child. They need to make decisions regarding their own child and left to fail or succeed. I'm sure you weren't a perfect parent and your own mother had advice for you that you didn't accept. Try to remember how it felt when your own parents questioned your parenting decisions. Not good, I'm sure.
Why don't you structure your visits around those times when you think he'll be cranky? Like---maybe in the morning. Meet your kids and grandson for breakfast. If you can't take it anymore and you need to talk to your kids again preface the conversation with praise. Tell them they are great parents and then tell them that a nap supports brain development and you are concerened that your grandson isn't getting this much needed opportunity to grow his mind. Maybe even provide an article supporting this:
http://www.americanbaby.com/ab/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/ab/story/data/1138121392906.xml
After you are done with this conversation tell your kids that you won't mention this topic again; that it's up to them to decide---but that the time you all spend together is marred by this fussiness and that you can't carry a conversation with them, let alone enoy your grandson and that you miss the relationship you once shared before your grandson dropped his nap. Good luck!
2007-01-03 18:17:36 · answer #2 · answered by Mythical Creature 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't be so sure about the nap thing because i have 5 younger siblings and the 3 youngest are 9, 3, and 2 and each of them were grumpier after naps then on the days they didn't have naps so i would say it differs from child to child but if your children are idiots thats not your fault you could try telling them that unless they are going to put him down for a nap then you won't watch him and see what happens
2007-01-03 17:55:26 · answer #3 · answered by Brad 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I agree with you. Kids do need a nap or else they are unbearable. How old are your 'adult' children? Have they done any reading/research on child development? If not, perhaps you can supply them with data regarding toddlers. OR go to the pediatricians office with them on their next visit. Bring up the subject during the visit. I feel sorry for the baby, because he is the one who ultimately suffers. I would really try to find info not only online, but also in magazines/books, etc at your local library. Ask your kids this question: Wouldn't they rather
2007-01-03 17:58:40 · answer #4 · answered by wanninonni 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its never easy for anyone to admit their mum is right -- especially as far as child rearing is concerned!
Young parents often wish to stamp their independence on the way they rear their kids - and your comments/advice is probably seen as 'interfering'. Anything you suggest to them (especially if you tell them 'you know better' )- will automatically be seen in a slightly negative way.
Perhaps his parents are UNABLE to get him to nap - and your insistence on this, just makes matter worse for them.
2 year olds are generally full of tantrums, fussy and difficult ("terrible twos") - this is part of a developmental stage: I'm surprised you even get him to sleep... you are definitely a super nan!
Why not be patient - this phase will pass - you will be able to enjoy your grandson soon, without causing tension in your relationship with your adult kids?
Instead of 'nagging' them - just subtly let him nap when he is with you, so that they can see for themselves how much better he feels.
2007-01-03 18:03:23 · answer #5 · answered by Biker B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes kids need a nap if mine dosent have hers shes gruppy n unresnoble 4 the rest of the day. she never wants a nap but after 5 mins of cuddeling n rubbing her back zzzzzzz! It olso give perants a well diserved break n helps the child grow.
2007-01-03 17:58:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stop helping,they probably aren't listening to you because they feel you are wrong. Don't give any advice and let them figure itout on their own.
2007-01-03 17:58:50 · answer #7 · answered by lily_shaine 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps give them Benadryl or put them in a sound proof closet
2007-01-03 17:59:29 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes but you can not interfere.
2007-01-03 17:53:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Stop babysitting until they do what you suggest.
2007-01-03 17:53:21 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋