How do I get my 4 yr old to take a nap at preschool?

Question

My 4 yr old daughter does not take naps at home, but the daycare that she just started makes her take a two-hour nap. The daycare says that she does very well during the day and was surprised when I told them that she does not like to take naps. This morning she was kicking and screaming because she did not want to go to daycare because she did not want to take a nap. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to deal with this?

Answer 1

I think I would personally be upset with the daycare. I have never heard of a daycare "making" kids take a nap, especially a 2 hour nap. My son is 3 and no longer takes naps, and no one can make him take one. At my daycare the smaller kids nap and the older kids have quiet time for an hour, so they get to lay down and watch a movie, and then she does crafts with them while the younger ones finish their naps. I would question a daycare that makes kids nap for 2 hours, seems a Little lazy to me, cause it gives them a nice 2 hour break! But if you don't know what to do, tell your daughter she doesn't have to sleep, she can just lay there for 2 hours. Even that doesn't seem right though.

Answer 2

I think this is something that she will just have to get used to. Maybe after all the other children fall asleep, the teacher might let her have a book if she won't sleep so she doesn't have to lay there. It might also have to do with the time she wakes up and goes to bed. Maybe if she goes to bed around 7 start putting her down at 9 and maybe she will want a nap.  

Answer 3

A two hour nap for a 4 year old??? That's a bit much. =/

Can she just lay there quietly? She doesn't have to sleep. If she's quiet, that's good enough.

Bizarre though.  

Answer 4

Try telling her that she doesn't have to take a nap, she just has to lay there, be still, and rest.  

I was surprised to find out that my 3 1/2 year old has no problem taking naps at daycare, I can't get him to take one at home on the weekends for anything!!!  I guess I'm not wearing him out enough beforehand.

Answer 5

She is 4 and in my opinion does not need a nap. Maybe the carers are saying this because they want their time., I have worked at many of centers that made all children sleep just so they can have free time to do what they want.

Obviously your daughter is getting upset, and if she is not sleeping at home, then its unfair to be sleeping there.

Answer 6

4 year olds dont have naps,here in uk they have already started full time school

Answer 7

I work in a daycare center, and in my state (NY) you can not force a child to sleep at daycare.  We have the children, unless the parent says otherwise, lay down quietly for 15-30 minutes depending on their age and mood that day.  After that they are allowed to get up and play quietly with the kindergarten kids (they have only a half day of school).  It is required in my state to have alternative quiet activities for the children, even if they are just looking at books on their nap mat.  You may want to check the daycare regulations/laws for your state to see if they are allowed "force" your child to sleep, it will probably turn out that they have to provide quiet activities.  If your daughter doesn't need the nap, I don't think she should be forced to take one, especially if her kindergarten next year doesn't have nap time you won't want to start a habit you will have a tough time breaking.  If they are allowed to force you daughter to nap or lay quietly for 2 hours, reward her at the end of the week if she is good all 5 days.  Tell her if she naps/lays quietly for all 5 days with no problems and no problems in the morning throwing a fit, then you will reward her at the end of the week, and choose a prize or list of prizes she may get.  Maybe a movie one week, a new toy the next, or even a special outing with mommy.  Good luck,make sure you check the regulations for your state, they can be found online.

Answer 8

Believe it or not, some states require naps. Although, the center should make arrangements for the children who don't sleep. I know when I worked at a center (in the 4 year old room) I only had one or two who didn't sleep. I gave them books to look at on their mat, as they had to be quiet because everyone else was sleeping. 9 times out of 10 they fell asleep "reading" the book.

I played soft music (sounds of the ocean) every child had to be woken up.

For those that think this was just "free" time for me, HA! Think again. I had to write lesson plans, fill out tons of paperwork, set up art projects, go through each child's parent communication book. I often had to call parents and discuss issues. I didn't just sit around and do nothing, I also had to eat my lunch during this time frame. Which usually meant I only ate half my lunch because I had so much to do.

Answer 9

Find a new pre-school, sounds like their using this "nap" to their advantage for their own free time. 1 hour naps are usually acceptable, maybe even just half an hour, it all depends on the child.

But little children do need naps sometimes, helps them stay restful and is good for their growth apparantley. But like I said, it all depends on the child's needs.

Answer 10

Once you drop her off at daycare, the child is the daycare provider's responsibility. When I was little, sometimes I would put up a fight about going to dance. My mother would tell me that I had to tell my instructer personally that I wouldn't be coming that day. Once I got there I would see my friends and be fine adn my mom would leave. You could try this with your daughter. As for taking naps at home, she is a little old for them. If you want her to nap, try setting her up with a movie on then couch. Then, even if she doesn't fall asleep, she is still getting some "quiet time" and rest that is good for her.

Answer 11

Start making her take naps at home too.  Children need routine.

I'm always shocked by how many parents allow their kids to dictate how they will be raised. Naps are needed. Children at the age of 4 Need sleep, look p the research on sleep studies with kids, children who get less sleep,including naps, have more behavior issues (Your kicking and screaming) and have a harder time retaining information from school.

  Moms need naps too, either for themselves, or to catch up on phone calls and house work.

  i can't explain why some parents let this go so easily except they bend to the will of the child with out thought that there is a reason for things like naps and bed times.