To Nap or Not to Nap??

Knowing how my daughter gets if I try to make her get up, I would just let her nap on those days she feels a need to. Yes, she's getting less sleep at night, but she's still getting the same amount of sleep when you figure in her nap. Unless you notice a difference in her attitude or behavior on the days she got less sleep the night before, I'd let her nap.

I have the same problem with my almost 3 year old. I tend to nap him when he's had less sleep the night before and keep him up when he's gotten 11.5 - 12 hours sleep the night before. He does fall asleep in the car so I try not to go anywhere later in the afternoon when he doesn't get that nap.

I would keep nap time in her schedule, but say on a day she isn't tired offer a quiet time where she can read books or do quiet activeities on her own.

Let her nap when she needs to.

Hi P.,
As the mother of a 5 yr old son who could USE a nap everyday but hasn't really had one since he was about 3, I would say let the nap happen--just try not to make it last too close to dinner time. I do the "quiet time" hour with my son...he stays in his room for about an hour to play or watch a movie. If she's up a little later on the nap days--no biggie. It all evens out and she knows when she's tired. On the days she doesn't nap just get her to bed earlier--yu know the drill--when they are crabby and stumbling around and whining--it's time for a bad & bed! Good luck and enjoy the naps when you can!

Many kids do away with napping (ie.sleep)by the time they are 4. Usually i'd say if she falls asleep then she obviously needs the sleep and to let it be but if she is waking up cranky and it affects her bedtime I think it is ok to try to keep her up. Just put her to bed a little earlier- if she's exhausted try adjusting that 7:30 bedtime by 15/30 minutes to help her get all the sleep she needs.
Hope this helps!
R.

I'm eager to see the responses you get. This sounds EXACTLY like my son, who is 3. My husband and I are constantly having the "to nap or not to nap" discussion. Good luck to you.

Hi P.,
I am dealing with the exact same issue with my little girl who is 3 1/2. She is also awful to wake up, but I wake her up the minute we get home so that she gets a good nights rest. I think that is more important than letting her nap. On a Friday I may let her nap and then sleep later on Saturday.

Good luck!
A.

My oldest will be 5 next month. I still follow a nap time schedule. She does not always sleep but will take books into bed w/ her and have "quiet time". Some days she sleeps others she is not so tired. She always has the same bedtime and always wakes at the same time in the morning. At this age they start to phase out of a nap but they are still growing and will have days that hey need the rest.
Bottom line, do what is best for your family dynamic.
Good luck, R..

Hi P.,

Put your daughter on the family schedule. Summer camp is almost over. She has to learn to adjust to others schedule, even though it may be difficult.

hope this helps. D.

My daughter is 2 1/2 I don't do the nap. I keep her as busy as I possible can and then put her to bed at 6:45 she is out by 7 same with our 3 1/2 month old. Now...my husband gives her a nap then she will stay up til close to 10. I prefer no nap because come 7p I am ready for some down time and a break.

P.
I would say don't let her nap and get her to bed at 7:30. If she wakes up at close to the same time both ways I think that you need to go for the option that gives her more sleep. 9:30 - 6:30 isn't really enough sleep for a 4 year old. They should ideally have about 10-11 hours. Try to adjust her schedule so that she matches whats best for your schedule making sure there is at least 10 hours of sleep. If she is then getting adequate rest at night she won't need a nap as much. (This will get much easier when it starts getting dark early.)

Good luck!