Importance of Nap/Quiet Time

When a child’s routine changes or they’re approaching a developmental milestone or there’s confusion in their life, sleep habits are bound to be off! Just because your child has slept thru the night doesn’t mean they will never have trouble sleeping. Children’s sleep is like a roller-coaster, you will have moments of plateaus & moments of pure insomnia. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

How do you handle this?
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1) Always listen to what your child is trying to tell you. Not necessarily verbally but what their actions are telling you. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
2) Do NOT stray from your routine too much as it will throw off your child’s rhythm. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
3) Hold the frame of nap/quiet time. Just bc your child hasn’t napped for a week straight doesn’t mean they’re dropping their nap. If they’re content in their crib/bed but are wide awake, let them be. Do not feel the need to take them out bc they’re awake. If your child will not stay in their bed during quiet/nap time it’s important to try & hold it. 
For younger kids (under 4 years): I would sit in their room or just outside & occupy yourself while consistently bringing them back to bed with no talking except to say, “It’s time to rest our bodies.”
For older kids: You may offer a verbal explanation such as “when you sleep/rest your body, it gives you energy to play. I also need to rest my body so I have energy to make dinner/play.” I would add for your older kids, you may allow them to read books. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
4) If your child is having problems with quiet time, look at how much stuff is in their room. It’s very difficult for a child to calm their body & not feel enticed by all of the stimulation in their room. Remember simplification goes a long way for a child & even for adults. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Lastly, the main purpose of quiet time, besides resting your body, is to learn how to be by yourself. Now how many parents need quiet time right now??