1. Necessity or Nicety?
Whether your child takes naps during the day as a necessity of life or a nicety of life depends on which expert you talk to. Most agree that naps are important for your child's overall health. Babies under a year old usually take a morning and an afternoon nap. After 18 months old, the morning nap disappears. More than 50% of 4-year-olds still nap and about 30% of 5-year-olds actually go to sleep on their kindergarten mat or cot. Children are individuals, of course, so sleep patterns vary. Most young children require about 12 to 14 hours of sleep within a 24-hour period.
2. Sleepy Symptoms
Watch for signs that your child needs to nap. Once babies become mobile, they often resist sleep to the point where they exhaust themselves. It's natural for them to not want to miss anything. They are exploring and curious about the world around them. If he gets too tired during the day, though, he may have trouble unwinding and going to sleep at night. Pay attention to her natural sleep rhythms and look for signals that it's time to nap. Yawning, rubbing her eyes or just getting grumpy signal some sleep time.
3. Protect Parents
Taking time for naps protects parents, too. Parents need time to relax, unwind and regroup. Parenting is a joy, but often times, an exhausting joy. Nap time is good for the mental, emotional and physical health of both child and parent. Settle your little one down and get some rest yourself. Nap, read a book or sit in the sunshine. Enjoy some time to yourself. You and your child both will feel better for it.
4. Happy Time
Make nap time a happy time for your child. Two-year-olds often resist taking a nap. Put her down to sleep at the same time of day, whenever possible. Establishing routines is important for young children. Give her a favorite toy or her special blanket. Read a story. But limit it to one or two. Don't allow her to resist sleeping by demanding another story. Relax, maintain a peaceful, calm attitude and leave the room quietly.
5. Sleep or Be Still
Older children begin to require less sleep. He may not be able to actually fall asleep at nap time. Don't push the issue. You can't force her to sleep if she's not sleepy. It's important, though, for children to learn the value of peaceful rest. Tell him he doesn't have to sleep if he's not sleepy, but insist that it is quiet time. Have her rest on her bed with books, quiet toys, dolls or stuffed animals. Establish a time limit, too. An hour or two for quiet time works wonders for both you and your child.
