Most children need at least one nap a day until the age of 4 or 5, with children 2 and younger usually needing at least two naps a day. The more you struggle with your child at nap time, the more overtired he’ll become. Be prepared with a variety of techniques that make nap time easy, and your child will happily drift off to dreamland.
Play Pretend
Playing a game of pretend before nap time can make children more willing to lie down if you make sleeping part of the game. Explain that you’re going to pretend to be cowboys or explorers going on a trip. Tell her to pretend it’s nighttime after a long day of exploring and it’s time to set up a campsite. Turn off the lights and let her use a flashlight as she gets her bed ready. Putting some glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling will make it easier for her to pretend she’s napping under the stars.
Do Relaxing Activities
A child can’t move directly from running around to restful sleep. Schedule 30 minutes of quiet time before nap time each day. Fill a box with puzzles, coloring sheets, crayons, tracing worksheets, blocks and cuddly stuffed animals. Set a timer for 30 minutes and let your child play with anything in the nap box during that time. Reading books or listening to audio books will also help relax him during this final half hour before sleep.
Mimic Bedtime
If your child has a bedtime ritual that helps her get off to sleep easily, replicate it before nap time each day to help her feel prepared to sleep. Help her change into pajamas if she prefers them to her clothes. Have her go to the bathroom, enjoy a small snack and brush her teeth. Give her a hug and sing her favorite lullaby or bedtime story. All of these familiar actions will trigger an understanding in her mind that it’s time to sleep.
Tuck in Toys
Young children are often frustrated by being told what to do by adults, so they may look for opportunities to be the boss of a situation. Put him in charge of nap time by letting him put his toys to bed. Just before you want him to climb into bed, explain that it’s time for his toys or stuffed animals to take their naps. Ask him to explain to them why it’s important to nap and remind them of the fun things they’ll do when they wake up. After he tucks them in, ask him to climb into bed with them to keep them company.
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