Every Saturday I bring you a parenting mistake my husband and I have made. Please have a laugh or cry at our expense — we really are good parents, I swear.
For Daddy/Daughter Day, my husband planned a trip to the Lego store. A 9:20am departure was arranged to get there by 10:00am. This would provide about an hour of shop and play time. Nora would fall asleep on the way home in line with her usual naptime.
En route, Nora showed signs of fatigue. Ben attempted to keep her awake by making Lego-related conversation. As he pulled into the mall parking lot, she was asleep. Undeterred, he took her out of the carseat and into the mall, expecting her to awaken. She did not.
The purchase had been pre-decided, so Ben bought a dump truck set and carried his sleepy (and heavy) girl back to the car. On the drive home, Nora woke and announced, “We’re going to the Legoland!” He pulled to the side of the road and explained that she had fallen asleep and missed the experience. He then presented her with the set of Legos. Thankfully, there was no meltdown. Total nap time? 30 minutes. Chance at getting her back to sleep before bedtime? Zip.
Next trip is planned for post naptime.