Little kids and naps: should the phase out at 2?
By sedel1027
@sedel1027 (17846)
Cupertino, California
July 9, 2012 11:37pm CST
Since my daughter turned 2 in February she has been trying to phase out her nap. Today, for example, we met her cousins at the park and they played for 2 hours and we drove home. The drive home is 20 minutes, all interstate. Plenty enough time to fall asleep (I was ready to take a nap lol). She stayed awake. Then she skipped her nap. After dinner I decided to run to the store and she fell asleep for a few minutes. Of course she went to bed a bit later, but was out by 9:15 (bed time is 8:30).
At the beginning of the year I'm either going to school full time or going back to work full time. I know hen she goes to daycare or Pre-k 3 that nap time will be a part of the day. Also, I do like some down time for myself -even if I just clean up a bit - especially this week with my husband and son gone.
Is she too young to not nap, or should I let her phase out her nap?
1 person likes this
5 responses
@ShyBear88 (59290)
• Sterling, Virginia
10 Jul 12
Every child is different. Most day cares if the child won't nap they just ask that child to sit or lay quietly while the others are napping. Every bodies body is built differently so some kids stop napping before others will and others need napping still at the age of 2. If you still want down time and she doesn't want to nap you can do quite time in place of napping find something she can do quietly like coloring or some kind of project. You might not be able to nap but you can still get things done that you need to while she is doing something else.
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
10 Jul 12
I just know the transition will be hard enough on her (or maybe just me lol). My son was in part time daycare at 2 but he was always exhausted after his half day. At he was in daycare all day and they had nap time. At 4 he was lucky enough to test into Pre-K 4 and they had nap time too. It wasnt until kindergarten when naps were phased out that he stopped napping. Of course now at 13 and homeschooled, he will nap lol
What I ave been doing is at the same time every day she has to go in her room, as if it is nap time, and the baby gate goes up. Most days it's not a problem. She doesn't mind playing in her room. Other days she will cause quite a fuss. Today, she just laid on the sofa and watched Bubble Guppies. We color and do activities together all day, by the time nap time rolls around everyone needs a break 
@ShyBear88 (59290)
• Sterling, Virginia
11 Jul 12
My daughter is 17 months old so she still takes naps like 2 times a day some times one. But she'll be starting school with in the next year at least a half a day if not all day. My nephew he is 5 and still takes naps after school lets out at 1:30 the young kids start school earlier in the day then the big kids.
@triplejazzm51 (1373)
• Philippines
10 Jul 12
A nap is very important to both kids and adult. I have read results of studies that those who take a nap even for ten minutes feels good and recharged and can perform well at work. For kids especially those who are less than 7 years old nap can replenish their energy and ensure optimum growth. Though sometimes it depends on their bodies signal.If they take a nap during the afternoon, they sleep late in the evening. Sometimes they are so excited with play that they miss their nap time so they fall asleep early in the evening.
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
10 Jul 12
I wouldn't mind as much if that was the case. She will skip naps and stay up just as late. Ideally I would like her to get up the same time (8-8:30) and go to bed a bit earlier if she won't nap. If she wouldn't nap and stay in a good mood I could definitely get more done.
@schulzie (4061)
• United States
10 Jul 12
My kids didn't always nap. And I think that 2 or 3 is usually around the age my kids stopped napping entirely. I would let her decide if she needs the naps or not. I think it is just a sign of her growing up.
Thanks for your comment and have a great night!
Thanks for your comment and have a great night!
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
10 Jul 12
I'm all for growing up, but I want nap time! I'd rather her finish learning how to read and keep the naps.
I'd rather her finish learning how to read and keep the naps.
@jazel_juan (15747)
• Philippines
10 Jul 12
My three kids still take a nap, my eldest is now 7 years old and she do take a nap, i always make it a point they get to nap especially last summer when they were just at home.. but since two are in school now my 7 and 5 year old, i thought they would get sleepy at noon time since they are used to naps, but they do not get sleepy at all.
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
10 Jul 12
Wow a napping 7 year old. My son stopped napping when he started kindergarten and they didn't have a nap time. He was 5 :)
