Power Struggle.

We're having a power struggle in our house between an adult and a 4-1/2 year old.  The adult is not winning.  I have always been a nap-Nazi and will continue to be one until Clayton is attending public school.  My current issue is that Ansley still needs a nap very badly, but very much does not want to take one.  

Instead of "nap", we now call it "quiet time" and she must spend it in her bed, with three of the four window shutters closed and the lights off.  She can do whatever activity she chooses, so long as she doesn't come out for at least an hour and so long as she is quiet enough to let her brother sleep. [The terms and conditions of Ansley's post mid-day meal period of rest, hereinafter referred to as "quite time," have been mutually agreed upon between the parties.]

It's a delicate balance, because sometimes when she doesn't nap, she ends up like this.

And then shortly after waking up, like this. [Can you see the tear stained cheek?]

It's a double-edged sword.  The girls share a bedroom and sometimes if Ansley takes a nap, she ends up keeping her sister awake at bedtime with her talking, laughing and giggling.  And believe me, Barrett definitely needs a full night of sleep.  I'm hoping Ansley will be able to drop her nap by the summer time.  But as for now, we're sticking with the nap, I mean "quiet time."