Cutting out a child's naptime when they are not ready.

[giraffe]

Have you ever heard the term "sleep begates sleep"... sometimes when a child is overtired it is harder to put them to bed a night, then in turn harder to get them to nap, then a later bedtime then.... it is a vicious cycle...

At my house if you are to old to nap then you are to old to come to my daycare.

[fruitloop]

Nap time is non negotiable here too. All children must lay down for a quiet time. If they don't sleep, that's fine but they must lay there. For my "non-napper", she must lay on the couch and watch a movie. I have the movie on very quiet and 9/10 she falls asleep and sleeps for most of my quiet time.

[ceECE]

Another thing that hasn't been mentioned is, it is very stimulating to share, take turns etc. with so many other children! So, children that don't need a nap at home DO need a nap at daycare!

[Play and Learn]

My 22 month old does not nap for her parents very often. But she'll nap for me for up to 4 hours if I will let her! She's used to my routine, and sometimes falls asleep before having lunch. But with my home daycare, I treat it as if they're at home, and not at a daycare.

For example today, she fell asleep at 11 a.m., and I had to wake her up at 2:30 p.m. Then we tried to have lunch, but she's backed up (and is tooting lots!).

[GrinsNGiggles]

As of today I have moved nap time up an hour and I`m going to ask his parents in the morning how he slept`. I have spoken to his mom and explained that here he is go go go all day and needs to sleep. I will have to wait and see how things work out. Thanks for the advice everyone.

[Emilys4Guppies]

My 22 month old does not nap for her parents very often. But she'll nap for me for up to 4 hours if I will let her! She's used to my routine, and sometimes falls asleep before having lunch. But with my home daycare, I treat it as if they're at home, and not at a daycare.

For example today, she fell asleep at 11 a.m., and I had to wake her up at 2:30 p.m. Then we tried to have lunch, but she's backed up (and is tooting lots!).

I do too. I find that my own children do best with a routine they can look forward too and that's why we have a scheduled naptime. Even before we had a daycare I had a set routine because I've seen how my kids react to having a routine. I also like how having a set routine means that our bedtime is predetermined...it means that my evenings with my husband are always set in stone. I know with my own children, when I let them nap when they wanted it would mess up bedtime occasionally and my evenings are important to DH and I. Just my take on why we have a set naptime and did before my home was a daycare too.

[hayland]

I am dealing with the exact same thing right now. The parents want me to cut out the nap of their 22 month old?!
Yesterday was the first day they had asked me to not give her a nap and not only was it exhausting for me and confusing for my other 3.5 year old daycare child, but she was so tired that she fell asleep on the 2 min drive to school to pick up the kids. She continued to sleep as I got her out of the carseat, carried her to pick up the kids then back into the carseat. She didnt wake up until we got home where I laid her on the couch and took off her coat and hat. Obviously she needed a nap if she fell asleep within seconds of driving in the van. She apparently sleeps better at night without the nap. If it stays like that I think I will suggest maybe just moving her nap earlier or cutting it short instead of cutting it right out.
On top of that I was exhausted since her nap time (12-2) is usually my "break". Her brother who is 3.5 was also confused by it because when she naps it is his time to do an activity that she is too young for, marbles, colouring, playdoh etc. I basically have to redo my whole routine and do without my break.
Any idea how to create a quiet time for a 22 month old without her falling asleep? Im pretty sure if shes that tired a movie would put her to sleep (if I could find a movie that would keep her attention).

[playfelt]

I would probably do the earlier naptime or keep them both up to play together while you put the others down. Then for the last half of naptime lay her down which presumably she will fall asleep right away or if not at least have a rest time. That gives the brother a time to do his thing. Get everyone up at the same time and hopefully if you are into an active time and eating she will wake up.

[daycare woman]

Don't forget that if this child attends full day school in jk, I believe and please correct me if I'm wrong but they have a nap time in the afternoon. Length I would guess an hour but again not 100 % sure about that. Naps in my contract in bold black letters is mandatory, and not negotable.
I want my time too!

[daycare woman]

I read a great sleep article from a sleep expert I'll try and see if I can find it on my email and I'll let you know. But part of it said that all children's brains need that rest time it is very important for brain develop. this is when the brain does its "work". Anyway it was a really great article. I will be referring to it if and when I need it. It also says something to the effect that napping till 3 should not affect their bedtime routine. ummm , I would say 2:30-2:45, 3 is a bit late. Myself however if you do not want your 22 month old to sleep in the afternoon, find another daycare, and good luck with that, not sure who wants that age up all day. Makes me tired!