The Witching Hour

Caleigh has officially given up naps.  This really started happening in September of last year right after school started back.  We were so busy over our summer that she was often tired and took naps or fell asleep on her own throughout the week.  When school started again in August, it was a transition time and she would nap a few times a week with few objections.  Then came September and her "anti-nap" stance.  She would vehemently protest napping of any kind during the day.  On days when I absolutely believed that a nap was necessary, I would battle her until she fell asleep.  Other days, we skipped the nap altogether.  During Christmas time, Caleigh became ill with the stomach bug that seemed to be going around.  Resting and naps were frequent during that time period but that was due to overwhelming exhaustion.  Then January arrived and good health returned and naps departed for good.  I believe there was actually one nap during the whole month.

This has lead to what we now call "Caleigh's daily witching hour."  When the clock strikes 3:00PM each day, I think Caleigh's brain demands a break.  When Caleigh doesn't stop and give her brain and body that break, it overwhelms her.  She becomes whiney, ill, cranky, disrespectful and she can't be pleased.  For at least one whole hour, she is, well, she is monster-like.  No matter what she is doing, whimpering accompanies it.  I've tried to make it a point to have her relax during that time but quite often this causes he to think that I am trying to force her to nap so she fights back and becomes more agitated.  Unfortunately, I have to just ride it out.  And that can make ME cranky!  LOL!  It is a cycle that I know will be over soon enough but that doesn't make going through it any easier.  I have tried reasoning with her and even tried explaining to her why she feels so different during those times but to no avail.

So, her "witching hour" continues daily for now.  I don't even have to be near a clock and I can tell you when it is 3:00PM based on my daughter's behavior.  So, if you call me and it is near that time, then expect to hear lots of whimpering, whining, and crankiness.  And I'm not saying it will be all from her either.  ; )