Nap times are special times for parents. That’s because it is the one time during the day that you have a break and can relax or do some much needed cleaning up. Parents go to extremes to keep naptime sacred. They post notes on the door telling visitors to go away until a certain hour and they turn the ringers off the phones. Parents know nap time means they can get a breath in so they do their best to make their home a quiet place that will allow their toddler to get as much rest as possible. However, sometimes toddlers decide they just don’t want to sleep anymore. There are many reasons this could happen, but don’t despair. There are ways to help your toddler get the rest he, and you, so desperately need!

Routine

Follow the same routine every single day regardless of other activities like visitors, church, play dates, and the like. Your child must program his body to sleep at a certain time and by putting him down for a nap at the same time every single day means he will be tired. Don’t put him down too early or too late, but find a time where your toddler will go down because he recognizes he is tired.

Quite Time

In the event you can’t get your toddler to actually sleep, tell him it is quite time instead of naptime. Put him in his crib or toddler bed and give him a book and a favorite toy. Tell him it is time to rest and if he wants to sleep he can. But, if he doesn’t’ sleep he can just enjoy some quite time with his books. Tell him he must stay on his bed for at least half an hour to an hour and that you will be listening to him through the monitor if he needs you. Most of the time, when they relax they will fall asleep. This takes a little while to get your little one accustomed to, but it will allow you the time you need each day to recharge.

Exercise

Some toddlers aren’t tired during the day because they don’t get enough exercise. IF you find that your toddler really isn’t tired during the day then find alternative activities in the morning that will make him tired. Take him to the park and let him run around, play a good game of chase, or anything you can think of that will get his pent up energy out. Then, he will be so tired he will be begging to go to sleep! The extra effort you put in will be worth it for the quite time you are rewarded with while your toddler is in dreamland.

Posted in Toddler Time

Related Articles: