How do i know if my son has outgrown taking naps?

Question

I try to put my 4 year old down for a nap every day for an hour or two. Most of the time he stays in bed and plays with his toys instead of sleeping, but some days he's out like a light and I have to wake him up. The problem is, he doesn't really act tired either way - even if he is. I know I stopped taking a nap around that age - how do i know when he is old enough to do the same? I don't want him to be sleep-deprived, but there is no point making him stay in bed if he's not sleeping.

Answer 1

That is good quiet time.  About 3/4 is when kids start stopping napping.  Depends on how tired they  are.  

IF he goes to bed at a reasonable hour, (I object strongly to naps that allow a child to stay up to ten pm.)  then no harm done.  He may just need a short recoup period.  I know Moms do.

Answer 2

He needs 10-12 hours of sleep a day.  If he gets that at night, he does not need a nap during the day.  Sounds like he outgrew his naps..most kids do by the age of 4.  Both my kids stopped at age 2.

Answer 3

well will he be starting school soon if so maybe try to limit the nap cause once in kindergarden he wont get one. but offer him some quite time just to wind down a little and relax if he is content in the bed playing then let him do it if hes not tired he wont sleep but the quite time cant do any harm

Answer 4

my son is 2 1/2 and i have stopped his napping.

Answer 5

WELL OBIOUSLY YOU'R SON RESPECTS YOU'R AUTHORITY...WITCH IS VERY GOOD. BUT I GUESS THAT HE HAS SORT OF OUTGROWN HIS NAPS. I AM GUESSING THAT YOU HAVE A LOT OF WORK TO DO AND MAYBE HE MIGHT BE ABLE TO HELP YOU. I HELP MY MOTHER WITH COTHES AND CLEAN THE BATHROOMS. THAT'S A BIG HELP FO HER WHILE SHE HAS TO DO SO MUCH ALREADY. JUST PUT HIM TO BED AT LEAST AT 7:00 OR 8:00 AT NIGHT THEN HE WILL PROBROLY MY GUESS THAT HE WILL WAKE UP IS 8 OR 9 IN THE MORNING IT DEPENDS IF YOU HAD A BUSY DAY THEN MAYBE BUT MAYBE NOT HE WOULD WAKE UP AT 10AM. SO....I DON'T SEE ANYTHING WRONG WITH STAYING IN  BED AND BEING QUIT AND PLAYING. ME AND MY FRIENDS DO THAT WHEN I HAVE SLEEPOVERS.... AM ONLY 12. LOL. YOU'R WELCOME!