Quiet/nap time

[monkeymama]

Quiet time is not negotiable at my daycare. Everyone has a rest period- if they are under 3 it is a 2 hour nap. Over 3 is 60 mins rest and then quiet activities. As I type, my two 4 yo dcb are watching a movie. When it is over, they have already planned to play a board game.

[kidlove]

heres the problem with parents like that, they more than likely don't want their kid to nap because they want her in bed early at night. so they want you to turn your day upside down so their night is peaceful? to that I say...kiss my #*&%! I hate to be that way, not like we all want to nap ourselves or sit around lazy while all the kids get theirs.....we could use a little break in the day for us...to get our housework done and catch up on the wreck our home becomes because of taking care of their kids all day long. maybe if we are lucky we can pay a bill, throw in a extra load of wash or down a glass of water or maybe finish our lunch that is cold. I understand we are paid to care for their children and we all do a great job of that, but they are expecting us to cater to their specific wishes not realizing not only are we human and need a little break but we also have many other daycare related duties to be fulfilled throughout the day than just caring for their child alone! Nothing wrong with a disney show 20-30 minutes, then she needs to keep quiet on a rest mat, IF she falls esleep? she obviously needs it. let her sleep for half hour then wake if need be, but when a child sleeps it's because their body needs rest. Not to mention what so they want you to do, throw cold water in her face if she shows signs of fatigue. They may need to be set straight or let go, too demanding. IMO ;0

[Momof4]

So, another question related to quiet time. What do you do if the parent doesn't want their child to nap? Hence all the activities I'm trying to keep her busy doing.

My contract states that nap/quiet time is not an option at my daycare either. I've never had a parent question me about naps thank goodness. Sleep is important and if a child falls asleep in the afternoon then their little bodies and minds need the rest so I'm not going to deprive them.

[fruitloop]

Yup napping/quiet time is not optional in my daycare either.... If a parent doesn't want their child to nap/rest then they are not a match for my program.

This exactly! I don't alter my program for anyone. And a movie to fall asleep? That is a crock of sh!t. No way in hell would I allow that in my daycare.

[treeholm]

I have minimal screen time... maybe 30 minutes of a carefully selected program on a rainy day when we can't go out, but most days, nothing. So a child who can't sleep without a show probably wouldn't have started here since I would have told the parent there is no tv most days. Also, they don't have to nap, but they do have to lay still and rest. Even the 4 year old falls asleep most days, and other days, she sings for a while and rests for at least 60 minutes. If she hasn't fallen asleep in the first hour, she can get up and read a book to herself quietly. Under 3, they are in bed for 2 hours. The first few weeks, I had two who screamed or cried for most of nap time, but they both go down cheerfully now and sleep for 2 to 2.5 hours. Both sets of parents tell me they won't sleep at home, but they love their nap here. If a parent said they didn't want their child to nap, I would let them know that I cannot prevent a child from falling asleep if they are tired, and quiet time is not an option.