Naps

When our kids are little, we pray for nap time. They are little speed demons, constantly getting themselves into things and even putting themselves in danger.  We’re exhausted watching them and we need the break.

Then, as our kids age, we notice they don’t sleep as well at night if we let them take a nap every day.  So, we phase out the naps and we work on keeping a consistent bedtime to make the most of their nighttime sleep.

The Teen Years

In our house, the nap returned with a vengeance during the teen years.  I know kids are growing during this time and a lot is going on in their bodies, so they need some extra rest. I was sympathetic to Mikey’s desire to take a nap.  I love a good nap myself.

But

His night’s sleep was never as good if he took a nap.  We must live by the 24-hour cycle – with exceptions only during times of illness – otherwise Michael’s sleep schedule gets severely dysregulated.

So, we have outlawed the nap.  I just remind Mikey that we sleep when it is dark outside.  “No sleeping during the day!”  If I see him settling in on the couch, pulling a blanket up around him, I engage him in a fun activity. I might offer a coloring page, a snack or a sticker puzzle.  I do whatever I can to kindly deny the nap.

It has paid dividends! Since we outlawed the nap, we have seen a huge decrease in night waking.  And, in the last 2 months, Michael has not woken up at all during the night.