|
How do I get my 3 year old to have his afternoon nap?.
A
Many children need an afternoon
nap. Naps have restorative value, allowing your child to unwind, rest, and recharge
to go on with the day. By three, some children are ready to forfeit the afternoon
nap and go for an earlier bedtime, so you could try this with your child, if daytime
napping is not successful.
However here are some tips to try first:
- You could create a "special
quiet time." Set the time of day that your child needs a nap, and lie
down with your child. You need a rest as much as your child.
- To entice resistant nappers,
allow them to nap anywhere in the house. When, where, and how is up to the
child.
- Make nap time a positive
experience, create a special place in a corner, on a mat, or in a little tent
made up of blankets. You could also try making a den by using a large cardboard
box with an opening that your child can crawl into when there tired. Ensure
your child is visible at all times though.
- If your child is not
ready to nap, they may need another hour or so to play before they truly need
and can accept sleep. Make nap time flexible for this reason, and then create
a wind down time. A child that is over stimulated will find it difficult to
sleep so relaxation is a good start.
- Another good way of getting
your child to sleep is to take your child out in the car, once they are asleep,
carry the car seat into the house.
- Create an environment
that allows sleep to overtake your child by winding down: a simple routine
like – having lunch, a story, a dark room, and quiet music.
health visitor
back to faq's - Sleep |
