Quiet Time Advice

We set a timer (about 45 minutes) for my daughter so she knew when quiet time would end. Then we specifically explained that she needed to stay in her room until the timer when off. Some days she would fall asleep and I would just wake her after 20-40 minutes. This rest seemed to help her get through the rest of the day without interfering with sleep.
It might also help to pull out a toy she hasn't used in a while to make quiet time more special.
If her quiet time is in the middle of the house where you are doing chores, that may be contributing to her calling for you. My daughter's quiet time was in a separate room where she couldn't see me.
My daughter is older now, but when one of us needs a little break, she gets quiet time for about 45 minutes in my room w/ the TV.
Good luck,
J.

I always let my children get their blanket and pillow and watch a disney movie every afternoon. Maybe she is bored with Dora. My children never got off the couch they would watch the movie and I would get and hour and a half to get things done. The only other suggestion I have is take a nap with her in the afternoon and let her help you will some of your chores. At three she can help fold wash, help cook dinner with you, and it will be a good time for her to spend time with you so she will play more independently during the rest of the day. Good luck with your new arrival!!

I wouldn't put her in the crib for quiet time, how about laying her on your bed with you and some books and quiet toys. This could also be a great time for a movie, she could lay on the couch. I think there is no harm in a couple of hours of tv or a movie a day. She needs to learn that mommy will not always be able to come when she calls once the baby is born.Quiet time is tough, I have a home daycare and try quiet time for those that don't nap. Start a routine and stick with it, she will get the idea very quickly.

Sounds like you will have to introduce something new for her to explore. Perhaps after dinner, bath, you two can work on a coloring project until you get close to the desired bed time

and then transition her to bed reading a story and doze off with her. Just a thought.

Hmm I agree with the post that suggested you reconsider taking the nap away. It's probably not the reason she takes forever to fall asleep at night or wakes up early - children this small need MUCH more sleep than you think - 12 hrs is not enough for most. I'd leave the nap and try to figure out what's wrong with the bedtime routine. Perhaps you are putting her in for bed too late - that can cause my little one the same age to take forever to fall asleep. I have a three year old and she naps 2-3 hrs a day plus sleeps about 11 hrs at night. She's still in the crib as well and is not interested in the toddler bed so I am not pushing it and I don't see how that would help you either (unless you need it for the baby).

good luck.

Maybe it's time to move your big girl to a big bed. With big-girl beds come big-girl responsibilities - like being quiet when it's time to rest. If she's bored with TV, fine; let her pick out several books instead, as well as a couple of favorite toys. The rules might be: 1) feet off the floor at all times, and 2) quiet voices! Let her know that it's quiet time for everybody - you and her new brother/sister will be having a quiet time as well as she.

Is there some sort of small reward you could give her when she succeeds? One thing you could do in addition is to ask her to bring you the two rest-time books she liked best that afternoon, and you read those two books to her at night.

I think if she is falling asleep at nap time then she needs a nap. Just don't let her sleep too close to dinner time--move her nap earlier so she's up by 2 or 3 maybe? And hats off to you for letting her stay in her crib til now! If a child likes and is cozy & comfy in their crib there is no need to move to a toddler bed.

I would suggest taking her out of the crib. What do you expect a tired 3yo to do who is stuck in a crib for an hour or more....she's gonna fall asleep! All of my kids were out of the crib by about 18 months, and they would stay in their room because I would child proof it and close the door. If they didn't want to take a nap I'd tell them they are welcome to play quietly until I come and open the door. I'd go in my room and take a shower or nap or whatever I needed to do. If she can open doors herself, add a childproof lock on the inside of her door that that you know she is not wondering around the house while you're trying to rest. This will be beneficial for you too when the baby comes too because then the baby can have the crib and your daughter won't feel that she is having it taken away for the new baby.

Lots of great suggestions here. When I was pregnant with #2 and #1 wouldn't sleep (and I needed a nap) we would ready books in my bed. She would 'read' hers and I would read mine. If she got sleepy then she'd go to sleep or ask to go to her bed. (this is how it worked on ideal days - other days not so much). You could also do quiet time downstairs with you. Basically she has he own play while you do what you need to do or you say she can stay up while you watch a 'mom show.' She'll either cuddle you or get bored and entertain herself. If you child proof her room you could technically let her play in there but not be confined to her crib.

okay, honest answers here:

1. many school districts with full day KG require the kids to have a quiet time in the afternoon for the 1st semester. It's important to keep your kids in this routine. It's also required at most daycares should you ever need to use one.
2. move her to a real bed! Get her ready for that baby! & if you don't want her to nap, then don't put her in bed! Use the couch or a pallet on the floor for "quiet time". Let her pick a movie or show .....but honestly, I prefer quiet music & low lights....with a blankie & a baby doll. Mood settings help wonderfully with naptime/quiet time.
3. I highly recommend a nap. With my daycare, naps are taken ....all the way up to KG. This is not an option for the kids. We have our routine: "playtime, lunchtime, naptime, snack time, Mommy time"....& that's how our day goes EVERY day! I love hearing the kids sing it to each other.
4. I think it's very possible that your daughter needs more physical stimulation. She needs to play her heart out.....each morning....at the park, with a play group, with friends.........& then you'll see a better nap/bedtime ratio. The more energy they get out, the more outlets they are offered for stimulation........the happier & more secure they are.....& the better they sleep.
Good Luck!