You could say I stumbled upon this idea out of a need for the moment.
I was cutting up raw chicken to get it ready for our dinner that night, and my daughter started waking up from her nap. NOT good timing! All I kept thinking was, "If only I had 10 more minutes!" It seems like our children know when you need to get something done, because then they wake up from their naps!
I decided to go in there, but I had a plan. This would now become her "special reading time." This meant that I gave her a few special books to read in her crib, opened the blinds, turned on a new CD of fun nursery rhymes, and left the door open (so she didn't think the music was a hint to go back to sleep).
To my amazement, this worked! She seemed happy and content waking up and reading in her crib! Not only does this help me to finish the task at hand, but it's also imparting some very important values that I would like to pass on to A.
She is learning to be patient. Though she is awake and ready to get up, Mommy would like her to spend a few "quiet" moments waking up in her crib.
She is continuing her love for reading and music. Exposure to both is increasingly important for young children's developing brain.
She is learning to have quiet time with herself. As a christian, I spend time reading my bible (most) every day, and I believe by having her have some "quiet time" reading her children's bible, this will instill the importance of spending time with the Lord each day in His word.
After about 15 minutes, I went back in to get A, and she was still just as happy as she was when she woke up. This is a great way to transition your kids from nap! Try it out and let me know what you think!