Just curious what you guys are doing after nap time that is working well? In the morning things move pretty quickly and smoothly. We have lots to do with breakfast, getting dressed, we usually have an activity and then about an hour of free time to play before getting ready for lunch then nap. After nap they wake up cranky, I start getting cranky, we have a snack, but I have a difficult time transitioning into another playtime because someone/two/or all three may be clingy and then when I have to start getting ready for supper and that doesn't help. TIA.

Wendy
Mom to trips born 6/29/2007 @ 35w1d
Jack 5 lb 3 oz
Estelle 5 lb 7 oz
Clara 4 lb 9 oz

We have the same problem, most of the time I feel like they would be better off without a nap because of their moods after the nap. We don't watch much tv but I have found that watching a show when they get up helps them transition to being awake, then weather permitting we go outside before snack. Occasionally we will load up in the car and go through a drive thru or to the carwash, anything where we can stay in the car! I have one who rarely naps and she is has the best mood in the afternoon! Tough age...well I guess they all are

Kelli
GGB 28.3 weeks 5/3/07

http://yesihavemyhandsfull.blogspot.com/

Ditto the TV after nap. Anything else just aggravates the crankies. They get milk and snacks during the show and then are in a much better mood to move on to another activity. During the show we also change diapers, put shoes on, and generally tell them/and prep them for what will be coming up next.

Susan

Parent to GGG born 31 weeks 4 days 4/26/07




http://www.thedivinemercy.org/message

  

I'm so glad to hear mine aren't the only ones who are cranky after naps. Makes no sense, huh? Like yours they all want to be held, and be the ONLY one being held,at once. Snack, TV, or going outside does help. Then I sometimes pull out toys that are only for use with supervision. That usually interests them. Good luck to us all!!!

GGB miracles born 9/07
34 weeks!
Emma 4.4
Lauren 4.11
Andrew 4.9

Mine are almost 3 and still pretty cranky after naps. We use the potty, they each choose a snack and I'll put on a Dora while I prepare an activity. It's pretty cold here now, but if it's a really awful afternoon, we'll still take a quick walk. Or I use some of Megan Welfare's montessori type activities, which have been a HUGE success! I have also been doing a TON of baking with them and they adore that. After 5:30, the evening moves pretty quickly, dinner, baths, milk/snack, brush teeth books, bed. But man, that 3:30 till dinner time is always going to be rough, I fear.

Anna Lucia, 4lbs 7oz
Matthew Ronald, 4lbs
Sophia Christine, 3lbs 13oz
Born screaming 2/5/07!

http://fruitsaladchronicles.blogspot.com/

double post

Anna Lucia, 4lbs 7oz
Matthew Ronald, 4lbs
Sophia Christine, 3lbs 13oz
Born screaming 2/5/07!

http://fruitsaladchronicles.blogspot.com/

Hi,

I also agree with the pp about watching TV when they first get up from a nap. I then give them a snack and we do some arts and crafts until dinner at 5:30 or go outside if weather permitting.

Karen
mom to ggg trips born 4/5/07

Thank you everyone for your responses. It is nice to know that I'm not just doing something wrong, but this is normal behavior. For the past few days I've had them a busy box/basket ready to get into when they are ready, after snack. We just have some quiet/easy time with something low key on TV. It really seems to help the transition. BTW I found these cool little workbooks on clearance at Walmart that is part of their "busy work". They were back in the toy department and they are for ages two and up. They work on skills like folding, cutting, coloring. Pretty cute... Thanks again.
Wendy
Mom to trips born 6/29/2007 @ 35w1d
Jack 5 lb 3 oz
Estelle 5 lb 7 oz
Clara 4 lb 9 oz

Hi Wendy,
My family and I recently moved to Colorado from San Diego so a huge change in weather and the amount of time we spend outside. Anyways, it has actually turned into a good thing as far as our kids (26 months) and after-nap activities. We joined the rec center (they are a big thing here) and when you buy the yearly membership, you get 1.5 hours of free child care a day!!
They nap from 12:30-2:45/3 and to break up the afternoon I take them to the rec center from 4:30-6 pm and I work out for that time. They love it because there are other kids to play with and I'm getting in better shape than I was before I had the kids!!
Look into a gym locally that provides child care. It really is great since it's cold outside anyways. Ours has a indoor pool, gymnastics, weight room, cardio, etc...
Just a suggestion!

Tiffany
Alana, Brady, Cooper
Born 12/20/07 @ 29 weeks 5 days

I totally agree. The after nap/before dinner is the time I dread every day. And not so much b/c of the kids being clingy, just because I think I'm done by that time of day! I actually prepare dinner during their naptime to make my life easier, so it's just a matter of keeping them occupied. It's getting so much better with the nicer weather. Lately we have been walking to the park and then playing there and that has been a godsend!

The gym is a really good idea!