Naps and Young Children

Naps can be difficult as your children get older, but most children still need them until Kindergarten or later.  In my experience, children who take an afternoon nap are more pleasant and sleep better at night too.  Here is the trick to getting a nap time routine started.  First of all, you need to create a predictable set of events.  At my house we clean up, use the bathroom/change diapers, pick out a book, and then go upstairs.  I am aware that older children often think they are too old for naps.  That is fine, but they need to take a "quiet time".  "Quiet time" can be used for reading or sleeping.  Your child can take a book or two with her to bed, but must stay there for a designated amount of time.  I would think an hour should be the minimum amount of time.  This allows enough time for the child to get recharged and for you to have a short break.  It also gives enough time for your child to settle down enough to fall asleep if her body needs sleep.  Many creative children come up with excuses to get out of taking naps or stall, but if you are consistent, eventually your child will get used to the routine.