I only had one child, and still found myself 'too' tired at times, because I
had one of those children whose naps throughtout childhood I could count on
one hand.   I clearly remember one day when my darling little energizer bunny
1 year old would NOT even consider nursing so I could lay down & rest (I was
pregnant at time, miscarried later) - so I turned off all lights, closed all
doors, told her mommy was taking a nap, and laid down with a pillow & blanket
on the floor.  She hopped around, and eventually laid down to nurse, and we
both napped.  Any naps I had were usually done after Daddy was home, either
before or after dinner.

Another idea that might work, would be to hire a mother's helper to come over
and play with the children or change videos, whatever, while Mom gets a nap.
 You might consider a 12,13 y/o or even younger child, vs. an older teen.
 You would want to have them over while you are around a couple times so you
felt comfortable enough to relax for a nap knowing they & the children will
do fine.  This is how my daughter got her training for being a great
babysitter.  A co-Leader started having her come over to play with her
toddler while the Mom finished a task, etc.  She made sure my daughter knew
that if the toddler needed Mom, that she could be interrupted, etc.  When she
had her second child, she would have Brooke come over to play with the then
pre-schooler while Mom napped with new baby.

I remember reading some newspaper articles last year on sleep, and the
confirmation that we CAN 'catch up' on sleep.  So don't forget the
possibility of catching up on some sleep on week ends when Dad is home.

Kathe Catone     [log in to unmask]
S. Calif