Any suggestions on how to keep a 3 year old "quiet" during baby brothers nap time?

Question

I let him watch a little tv but I try to limit it. Any other suggestions.

Answer 1

As often as possible I hv my 2 boys nap together. But, the older one is really getting away from naps now so I either let him watch TV or set him up in the kitchen with play doh, water paints, crayons, etc.. I try to make that time his time (he older one) But sometimes I need to cook or do something else so I just encourage him to help me or be with me. I don't put to much pressure on him to be too quiet cuz that can cause resentment in the older child and besides the napping child should be able to sleep without the house having to be completely silent.

Answer 2

At 3 he is able to follow directions. It isn't ridiculous to ask him to play quietly for 2 hours a day.

I would cut out the TV all day except for nap time. Let him use this time to watch a movie quietly.

This is a great time for you and him to get to spend one on one time together. You can do puzzles, play board games (memory, candy land), or simple art projects.

If he can't be quiet then he'll have to nap himself. Make the threat and stick to it.

Take Care. SD

Answer 3

Three year olds are not quiet children by nature. Stimulate his mind by providing coloring time, puzzles, games like match two, outside time if you have a house with a fenced yard, read stories to him and have him help you pick out certain things from the story (what color is the cat's hat, do you see the elephant etc). Of course if nothing else works there is always duct tape....JUST KIDDING!

Answer 4

i know it sounds like a lot of work because I have to do it myself but have you thought about one on one during the nap time? I have to do this and I would love more than anything to put my baby down for a nap and get to relax myself. But you could play with the three year old - like coloring or painting or playing with a deck of cards, making up some silly game, or cooking together and giving him or her something that will really occupy her like unwrapping hershey kisses or something! get creative. the sucky part is when does mom get a break? i'm on my break now. i have to stay up late at night in order to get time with no kid needing something.

Answer 5

I have 4 kids. I understand your dilemma. I was going to suggest perhaps a quiet distraction (like a DVD) in a room at a distance from the baby. If you have a baby monitor you might like to give the 3yr old some building blocks and take him/her outside somewhere suitable like a decking or courtyard.

Answer 6

When my kids would take a nap I would never tip toe around them or make others stay quiet because the last thing I wanted was a child that can "ONLY" sleep where there is no noise.

Answer 7

I never had quiet rules when mine were babies, I vacuumed, talked on the phone and went about as normal. Now mine don't wake up during thunder storms or other normal noise ( cars, booming radios outside the house), Airplanes (air force flight path) I think they'd have more trouble at my aunt's house out in the sticks it would be to quiet.

Answer 8

This may be a good time for you two to play together or read. There is always the computer. Try Noggin.com or PBS kids there is a lot of things on there for 3 year olds.

Answer 9

I also have a 3 year old and a baby. I try to keep the 3 year old downstairs, while the baby sleeps.

Answer 10

Take the time to read a story or make a story up or even take a nap & have some cuddle time with him.