Naptime Is Sacred… for Parents
(Yes, Really.) But, is nap time sacred time?
We’ve all heard the advice: “Sleep when the baby sleeps.”
But let’s be honest—that’s easier said than done.
Between bottles, diapers, laundry, and emotional overload, parenting never stops. It’s a 24/7 job. And it’s no surprise that parental burnout is real.
A study covered by CNN found that nearly 13% of parents—especially mothers—reported feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and emotionally withdrawn at least once a week. These are the same symptoms doctors see in professional burnout. This is why nap time can be used for so many different personal needs.
So, how can parents recover a little peace and energy?
Treat Nap time Like It’s Sacred Time
Even if you don’t sleep during your child’s nap, that time should be yours.
Don’t think of it as catch-up time. Don’t immediately rush to fold laundry or check your inbox. Instead, treat it like a reset. A short break—just for you—can actually help prevent full-blown burnout.
Take a Page from Your Parenting Playbook
When your toddler is melting down, what do you usually say? They’re probably hungry or tired, right?
Turns out, the same goes for grown-ups. But while we make sure our kids nap and snack, we often forget to do the same for ourselves.
So next time your little one goes down for a nap, try this:
-
Make yourself a snack.
-
Sit down.
-
Take a deep breath.
-
If you’re tired, nap. If you’re not, simply rest.
Even 10 minutes of quiet can make a difference.
Naptime ≠ Chore Time
Sure, you can do dishes during naptime. But should you? Not unless you love it.
Naptime should be about self-care.
If the kitchen’s a mess, let the kids help you clean later. Toddlers love copying what you do—and loading a dishwasher becomes a teachable moment. (Need a break first? Take it.)
Your Time Matters Too
Try using naptime for something that lifts you up. A long shower. A few chapters of a book. A call with a friend. Or just scrolling your phone without a child asking for a snack.
Need some inspiration? Check out these 30 self-care ideas for parents.
And if you’re looking for peaceful music to help wind down after a long day, we recommend Michael & The Rockness Monsters. Our gentle, fun tracks—like “Beautiful Day” and “Far Away”—make great bedtime songs for kids (and grown-ups too).
Less Stress for You = Less Stress for Them
Parental stress affects children more than you might think.
Your kids can feel when you’re overwhelmed. Taking time to decompress—even just 15 minutes—can improve your mood and theirs.
So don’t feel guilty for using naptime to rest. You’re doing it for them too.
As they say on airplanes: put your oxygen mask on first, then help others. The same rule applies to parenting.
How Rockness Music Can Help
At Rockness Music, we believe every child should have access to the power of music. Our programs are designed to enhance learning and development through:
-
STEM concepts explored through rhythm and patterning
-
Creative dramatic play through musical storytelling
-
Cultural awareness through songs and instruments from around the world
We offer weekly early childhood music classes (ages 0-10) and live interactive shows that support social-emotional learning and academic goals. Our classes are rooted in child development research and tailored to create fun, educational experiences that fit seamlessly into your preschool curriculum.
Interested in Bringing Music to Your Preschool?
At Rockness Music, we understand the importance of music in early childhood education. If you’re looking to integrate music into your preschool program or learn more about how music can enhance your educational goals, we’re here to help. Visit RocknessMusic.com for more information or simply reach out to us — we’d love to help you create an enriching, musical experience for your students.
Join Us In Our Pursuit of More Music In Schools!
Music isn’t just an enjoyable activity for children — it’s a vital learning tool that supports cognitive development, language skills, emotional wellbeing, and academic success. With these proven benefits, it’s clear that music educationshould be a core part of every preschool curriculum. By integrating music into early childhood education, we are setting the stage for children to thrive both now and in the future.