How to survive a non-napping two-year old

This is a 'How-to' guide for mother's of children making the transition to 'Big Kid' by no longer napping. It is a sad, sad, sad (did I mention sad?) day when a child decides that a nap is no longer necessary.

Step 1: Allow yourself one full week of mourning. This can include wearing black, crying and moodiness.

Step 2: Put child down for a nap anyway, it makes you feel better even if you can 'hear' them napping.

Step 3: When toddler emerges from "nap", glare at toddler and declare, "That wasn't a nap!"

Step 4: When child begins throwing tantrums because of obvious lack of sleep, go to your happy place.

Step 5: One hour before bedtime, lock yourself in a padded room. The alternative, and more realistic option is to ignore the stomping, screaming, crying, screaming, stomping child. You may try a time-out. Good luck with that.

Step 6: Don't anger it.

Step 7: Pray that bedtime comes quickly.

Step 8: Breathe a sigh of relief when toddler is in bed for the night and go get yourself a snack. You deserve to eat something nice without sharing. You just survived the insanity of a non-napping toddler. Kudos to you!