Did you know naps and a consistent sleep wake schedule are just as important to the health & wellness of a young child as proper nutrition. Does your toddler or Pre-K child seem to get noticeably more cranky or even throw temper tantrums late in the day? Did you know many tantrums take place because the child is simply too tired to do whatever is being asked of then, even if it is something that they typically would enjoy?
Children, especially young children are still learning about their bodies, and because they are also still learning the words they need to describe how they feel and other abstract concepts, they often aren't capable expressing the way they feel accurately. This leads to even more frustration combine this sort of frustration with an already tired child and the result can be anything from simple disobedience (because they are just too tired to think about what you are asking them to do) to a full blown tantrum!
Think about how you feel right around 2:00 pm after working all day. Now imagine feeling that way without having the coping skills of an adult NOR the ability to express to anyone how you feel. Wouldn't you react the same way?
I have had numerous parents and relatives tell me that they "try" to put their child down for a nap but all they want to do is play or that their child just doesn't seem tired. I completely understand that. Most children when asked if they want to take a nap, especially if they haven't had a regular nap time will tell you they aren't tired, but this is where you as a parent or caregiver have to play the card that days, "Well I'm you're Mommy/Daddy/ Grandma/Grandpa/Stepmom/Babysitter and I know what's actually best for you." Because when it comes to nap time, you do! (especially after reading this article)
I have carried my very insistent toddler up stairs kicking and screaming that she didn't want to take a nap only to lay her down and have her fall asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow. Other times, when we've had a less active day or when we slept in an extra half hour it may take 5-10 minutes to get her to settle down and nap at her regularly scheduled nap time, but she always naps for about 2 hours. I know its hard to do and for parents in shared custody situations its even harder because the tendency is to want to spend as much quality time and have as much fun with your child as possible, but think of it this way, how good is that "quality" time if she's too exhausted to enjoy it or to even to remember it?
When you plan your day and schedule your events to include that much needed nap for you little one he or she will actually enjoy all the time spend with you. There will be less tantrums and frustration and more smiles and giggles. In general, during the early childhood years children need 10 hours of sleep at night and a nap during the day. The length of the nap varies per child. I'm a big proponent of allowing the child to nap or sleep as long as she needs to. Other just as qualified parents will wake their children up from a nap after a certain period of time. This is a decision you need to make based on your life and your child, as long as your are consistent about it you will have a much more pleasant child.
And just think, while your child is napping you can get in an at home workout, do some a laundry, wash some dishes, take a bath or even just enjoy some quiet time watching your favorite television program. This will refresh you as well!
Children, especially young children are still learning about their bodies, and because they are also still learning the words they need to describe how they feel and other abstract concepts, they often aren't capable expressing the way they feel accurately. This leads to even more frustration combine this sort of frustration with an already tired child and the result can be anything from simple disobedience (because they are just too tired to think about what you are asking them to do) to a full blown tantrum!
Think about how you feel right around 2:00 pm after working all day. Now imagine feeling that way without having the coping skills of an adult NOR the ability to express to anyone how you feel. Wouldn't you react the same way?
I have had numerous parents and relatives tell me that they "try" to put their child down for a nap but all they want to do is play or that their child just doesn't seem tired. I completely understand that. Most children when asked if they want to take a nap, especially if they haven't had a regular nap time will tell you they aren't tired, but this is where you as a parent or caregiver have to play the card that days, "Well I'm you're Mommy/Daddy/ Grandma/Grandpa/Stepmom/Babysitter and I know what's actually best for you." Because when it comes to nap time, you do! (especially after reading this article)
I have carried my very insistent toddler up stairs kicking and screaming that she didn't want to take a nap only to lay her down and have her fall asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow. Other times, when we've had a less active day or when we slept in an extra half hour it may take 5-10 minutes to get her to settle down and nap at her regularly scheduled nap time, but she always naps for about 2 hours. I know its hard to do and for parents in shared custody situations its even harder because the tendency is to want to spend as much quality time and have as much fun with your child as possible, but think of it this way, how good is that "quality" time if she's too exhausted to enjoy it or to even to remember it?
When you plan your day and schedule your events to include that much needed nap for you little one he or she will actually enjoy all the time spend with you. There will be less tantrums and frustration and more smiles and giggles. In general, during the early childhood years children need 10 hours of sleep at night and a nap during the day. The length of the nap varies per child. I'm a big proponent of allowing the child to nap or sleep as long as she needs to. Other just as qualified parents will wake their children up from a nap after a certain period of time. This is a decision you need to make based on your life and your child, as long as your are consistent about it you will have a much more pleasant child.
And just think, while your child is napping you can get in an at home workout, do some a laundry, wash some dishes, take a bath or even just enjoy some quiet time watching your favorite television program. This will refresh you as well!
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