Schedule in your nap
Be with Jesus in the boat
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And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. ~ Matthew 8:23-27
Even Our Lord had to sleep.
Housewives must rest. Having young children is a round the clock situation. Being pregnant means your body will be overcome by an irresistible need to lie down. Active youngsters, not to mention teens who can only open up after 10pm, are tiring. Taking care of the home is not “work” or “a job” — it’s a total vocation and as such, naps are in order.
It doesn’t have to be a get-under-the-covers total blackout. I recommend cultivating the 20-minute, lay-back-your-head-on-the-comfy-sofa, half-sitting, half-lying down, pillow-supported, Lego-shuffling-accompanied drifting off.
If you have a nursing baby, prop both of you up in a way that the nap can be accomplished with little disturbance, even if older toddlers are not going to go to sleep — but many a three-year-old will take a nap if somewhat paralyzed on the couch with Mom.
This form of nap is fairly low commitment (unless of course you get stuck under that three-year-old); if someone suddenly has a need, you are ready for action. But if they can be trained to, as my daughter says, “respect the nap,” you will re-emerge refreshed.
And yes, you do have time. Remember Parkinson’s Law: “Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.”
The alternative is slogging around, not actually being efficient; or the mindless scroll, where your mind is being infiltrated with some unsettling thoughts that disturb your contentment.
You’re tired. Just take a quick nap.
The Afternoon Rest by George Goodwin Kilburne
As with everything here at the SFH, the best thing is for you to take my ideas, which come from my experience of escaping feminism to enjoy the gift of 46 years of marriage, seven children, and more than a score of grandchildren, and apply them to your situation with discernment, prudence, and confidence — and a sense of humor!
Be happy at home!
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For the longer version of this Substack and much more on this topic:
My 3-volume book on Order and Wonder in Family Life:
Queue the three year old: "mama, are you asleep?"
My dad is the master of the nap you describe and he can wake up from a 5 minute power nap totally revived! He says he learned how from his father, who had 11 children. Necessary skills 😉