I need help with how to remedy this situation without becoming too reactive. For about a year now, during DD2's nap, DD1 has had quiet time in her room while I exercise (yoga). It's worked well mostly. The last two days, I'm having real issues with DD1. With all needs met, as we are on a rhythm and my girls know what to expect next, we've went into quiet time. Last week, DD1 asked to do yoga with me. I said sure if you are quiet. She agreed that she could do that. It worked out well until yesterday. Yesterday, she barked like a dog loudly, and then cried and whined. I tried to help her out to no avail, and she couldn't tell me what was wrong. Today was worse. DH was home and tried to help. She cried hard this time. When DH tried to engage her in conversation and/or direct her to another activity, she screamed along with the crying. Finally, DH got her to play in her room quietly, and left for work. As soon as he was gone, DD1 crept into the room where DD2 was sleeping and woke her from her nap. She knows she shouldn't do that and that DD2 really needs her nap. I really need this hour for yoga. It hasn't been a problem in the past.
Here is what I did. I took DD1 to her room, told her she had made me angry, and that what she did was bad. She sat on her bed for about 2 minutes. While I was talking to her she snickered and laughed. Normally, I would become irate at that kind of behavior, but I felt I did well as I kept my cool. I'm just not sure how to handle these types of situations for her age and understanding. She needs to know that those actions are not helpful and that they hurt my feelings, and interrupt the nap DD2 needs.
DD1 doesn't nap for the most part anymore. If she does take one, she wakes even grumpier than she would be if she doesn't nap, so I don't push it. She does need quiet time though... Any ideas on how to remedy this issue and still allow the 3 of us the separate quiet time we need?
Here is what I did. I took DD1 to her room, told her she had made me angry, and that what she did was bad. She sat on her bed for about 2 minutes. While I was talking to her she snickered and laughed. Normally, I would become irate at that kind of behavior, but I felt I did well as I kept my cool. I'm just not sure how to handle these types of situations for her age and understanding. She needs to know that those actions are not helpful and that they hurt my feelings, and interrupt the nap DD2 needs.
DD1 doesn't nap for the most part anymore. If she does take one, she wakes even grumpier than she would be if she doesn't nap, so I don't push it. She does need quiet time though... Any ideas on how to remedy this issue and still allow the 3 of us the separate quiet time we need?