I am 21 wks along and I am going to be moving by two older boys into a room together in a few months before their baby bro gets here. My little one will be almost two and my older one just turned 4. So of course my little one will still be napping for a good while but his bro doesn't take a nap anymore. How is a good way to handle that. My older son loves his room and I think that sharing is going to be something he enjoys but it may take him a bit to really get his brain around the fact that his brother isn't just staying in his room that the room is now both of theirs. I could move them both into the littler one's room and then make what is now my older son's room the nursery but I still wonder how to tell my son he can't be in his own room for two hours a day. Anyone else been through this? I would love some ideas...
I think you just tell him he cant be in the room while the brother is napping. Its a good lesson to learn to respect other peoples needs and to be polite and let the bro sleep. He can color, draw, read, play with toys, go outside, whatever for a couple hours. Then he can have time in his room if he wants. Id just tell him, thats how it is, and thank him for being so considerate of his brothers nap time.
We're doing it right now with two kids. My kiddos are 23 and 5 months. I set up a play kitchen/toy area for my older baby in the...well, what used to be the dining room. She didn't like learning to be quiet during the little one's naptime, but she's adjusting just fine. I make a point of being really, really involved with her. For example, we go out to play just the two of us (plus the dog) in the backyard during the morning nap. Previously during the afternoon nap, we'd curl up and watch a cartoon because it's too darn hot to be outside, or draw, or she'd help with a chore or getting dinner ready.
But now, over the last month, maybe even two she's gone back to taking an afternoon nap WITH her sister. It's wonderful.
The girls also both sleep much better at night now that they're together in the same room. IF one doesn't go down easily, we'll put the baby in our bed until they both get to sleep.
Yes, I know we have two and not three, but the kids sharing a room has been frustrating at time, but mostly amazing. The girls are really bonding. In fact, today and yesterday, the baby had no smiles for me when she woke up from her nap but lit up for her sister. It's hard to be jealous when the baby reaches for a kiss from her big sis. So sweet! I'm really glad we did it, even if my MIL thought I was crazy. :-D
Congratulations, by the way!
First I think moving them both in the the littler one's room is a good idea. And repaint it/decorate it. I think it would be an easier transition for the older one and he won't be as apt to try to maintain control over the room for sure. Plus most likely it will be easier for the little one as he may be more comfortable.
As for naps. I let my daughter lay on my bed and watch cartoons (she is too old for naps, but resting is a must in my house. He might enjoy that? And not care about being in "his" room for that time. Or set up a quiet area just for him in another part of the house.
Good luck Mammas and congrats on the soon coming addition!
Just tell him that since he's a big boy now, you're going to need his help in letting the baby get his sleep in. Try to explain that babies need lots of sleep, remind him (if he remembers) how he had to used to take naps & now it's the baby's turn so he can be a real big help to you in making sure the baby gets their sleep in. And while it may be (or may not be) difficult at first, just keep reminding him to let the baby sleep & you may wanna move some of his fave toys in like say the family room/living rm or maybe have a fave movie of his to watch (if he's able to sit thru it) while the baby naps. Maybe having that ready for the boy at the baby's nap time will help keep him distracted. Hope this helps, good luck!
During my youngests nap time, my daughter and I would go lie on my bed and I would read stories to her and sometimes she would fall asleep and I could sneak out and then both of them would be asleep! Whoo hoo! Good luck!
Is there a reason why the almost 2 year old and baby cannot share the larger room?
your littlest son dose not need to sleep in his room durring nap time. you could set up a play pen in the nursery for his nap time. or if you have a large laundary room, perhaps in your room. nap time dose not have to be in his bed. it could be else where. your four yr old can learn pretty quickly that his room is off limits for a couple hours a day. hang a sign on the door letting him know not to go in. good luck.
My oldest is told 5 minutes before naptime to go and get whatever he is going to need for the next two hours. Then he stays out of his room while his brother sleeps. This has worked for me for 7 years. Yes, I know 7 is old to have to take a nap but he needs it!!
