Things are shifting. They have since the school year began. I’ve changed some key aspects of my schedule. I’ve been playing with different things. Some things have worked, some have not. Kindergarten has been a transition for our whole family. Interestingly, Laura seems to be affected the most. She misses her playmate. At the beginning of school, she was moody and sad. She didn’t like being dropped off at daycare (no Sara). Things have mellowed and we’re all falling into the new routine.
One aspect of Laura’s transition is her new napping schedule. She wants to sleep at 11am for her nap. Usually, this happens at 1-2pm. I tried to go home at first to play with Laura and do some chores before picking Sara up at lunch. But around 10:30 or 11am, Laura would wander into her room and put herself to sleep.
So I’ve shifted the routine. I arrange play dates. We stay outside. I essentially try to keep her awake. It reeks havoc with my ability to keep up with dishes, but it’s been awfully fun. Laura has been in Sara’s limelight and has rarely gotten play dates focused on her. Now I’m intentionally seeking out playmates for her. Evie, Emi, Ruth, Grace, Jane, Duncan, and Rachel. She’s been enjoying the fun.
The other phenomena occurs when her sister comes home at lunch. There’s a low at 11am, but a high at 1pm (right when I want to get them to nap). They’re fed. They’re excited to see each other. So they run around like banshees. Not so great for napping. While they’ve been napping in the same room for years, I think that arrangement is changing. They stay awake giggling though both are tired.
Another shift. Sara has come upstairs with me for quiet time so Laura can rest. Interestingly, my kindergartener still enjoys napping most days. So I’ve been able to maintain the Napping House for now.