Did you know that your child’s need for a nap is not something that remains consistent? Lately, I have been just about tearing my hair out trying to figure out why for weeks at a time, Dylan will take his nap regularly without protest only to then go for a period of time where he refuses to nap. Some days, I exhaust myself spending an hour or two trying to coax him to nap before I can bring myself to accept the reality that the nap is just not happening that day.
As a parent, it was helpful for me to learn that it is more important that I ensure that Dylan gets enough rest during each twenty four hour period of time than it is exactly how and when that rest happens. Toddlers who are approximately two and a half years old need about twelve hours of sleep in each twenty four hour day. Fortunately, on days when Dylan does not nap, he does actually sleep for about twelve hours when he goes to bed.
It is also important to note that some children need more than twelve hours and some need less. Watch your child for clues that will let you know whether he or she is well rested or whether more sleep is needed. Well rested children wake up on their own, and usually awaken in a good mood.
Fortunately, nap or no nap, Dylan is pretty good about getting the rest that he needs. Now, the only thing that has to be resolved are my own feelings around naptime or the lack thereof. I have to let go of the expectation that I will get some time to myself during each day and take comfort in knowing that on days when the nap is not happening, I will get my personal time in the evening. If I watch Dylan closely and take my cues from him, I can stop wasting time trying to get him to nap on days when he does not need it. In fact, being the honest little guy that he is, when I ask him whether he is going to take a nap he will say “yes” or “no” and his answer is a reliable indicator of whether or not it actually happens.