Nap Time Question

[Unregistered]

A lot of providers are open from 6 to 6, I'm only open from 7:30 to 6, but I still need a few minutes during the afternoon to regroup if I'm going to be my sweet rational self by the time 5:55 rolls around and I still have 2 or 3 darlings with me.
Part of my service to the children is taking care of myself so I'm not some bitter shrew who is watching the window on Friday so I can peel them out of the duct tape before the parents walk through the door.

During the summer I don't take a break. So 10.5 hours where I'm going all day. I take kids up to 12 and we do summer-school bridge work during nap time. I'm pretty much useless by 4:30. Don't even want the kids talking to me so we spend all the time after snack outside, "go play" being my mantra. Oh Lord help us all if it's raining. It ****s and I couldn't, I CANNOT, do it all year.

During the school year I have to keep it going until my after school kids leave. I NEED my break in the middle of the day. That's the way it works for me and as far as * I * am concerned a break for me is * for their benefit *. If parents don't agree, then their children need to be somewhere else.
I do the martyr thing with my family, not my business.

[originalkat]

A lot of providers are open from 6 to 6, I'm only open from 7:30 to 6, but I still need a few minutes during the afternoon to regroup if I'm going to be my sweet rational self by the time 5:55 rolls around and I still have 2 or 3 darlings with me.
Part of my service to the children is taking care of myself so I'm not some bitter shrew who is watching the window on Friday so I can peel them out of the duct tape before the parents walk through the door.

During the summer I don't take a break. So 10.5 hours where I'm going all day. I take kids up to 12 and we do summer-school bridge work during nap time. I'm pretty much useless by 4:30. Don't even want the kids talking to me so we spend all the time after snack outside, "go play" being my mantra. Oh Lord help us all if it's raining. It ****s and I couldn't, I CANNOT, do it all year.

During the school year I have to keep it going until my after school kids leave. I NEED my break in the middle of the day. That's the way it works for me and as far as * I * am concerned a break for me is * for their benefit *. If parents don't agree, then their children need to be somewhere else.
I do the martyr thing with my family, not my business.

I totally agree. I need my "break" at naptime too so I am rejuvinated and fresh for the afternoon. All the kids nap because that is what everyone does. Period. (Plus they need it). At home parents/kids have the luxury of creating and catering to their own unique schedule. However, in group care they must "conform" to a prescribed schedule determined by me and what is best for me and my business. Sorry, but that is just part of life IMO.

[misol]

A lot of providers are open from 6 to 6, I'm only open from 7:30 to 6, but I still need a few minutes during the afternoon to regroup if I'm going to be my sweet rational self by the time 5:55 rolls around and I still have 2 or 3 darlings with me.
Part of my service to the children is taking care of myself so I'm not some bitter shrew who is watching the window on Friday so I can peel them out of the duct tape before the parents walk through the door.

During the summer I don't take a break. So 10.5 hours where I'm going all day. I take kids up to 12 and we do summer-school bridge work during nap time. I'm pretty much useless by 4:30. Don't even want the kids talking to me so we spend all the time after snack outside, "go play" being my mantra. Oh Lord help us all if it's raining. It ****s and I couldn't, I CANNOT, do it all year.

During the school year I have to keep it going until my after school kids leave. I NEED my break in the middle of the day. That's the way it works for me and as far as * I * am concerned a break for me is * for their benefit *. If parents don't agree, then their children need to be somewhere else.
I do the martyr thing with my family, not my business.

I agree 100%.

[momofboys]

A lot of providers are open from 6 to 6, I'm only open from 7:30 to 6, but I still need a few minutes during the afternoon to regroup if I'm going to be my sweet rational self by the time 5:55 rolls around and I still have 2 or 3 darlings with me.
Part of my service to the children is taking care of myself so I'm not some bitter shrew who is watching the window on Friday so I can peel them out of the duct tape before the parents walk through the door.

During the summer I don't take a break. So 10.5 hours where I'm going all day. I take kids up to 12 and we do summer-school bridge work during nap time. I'm pretty much useless by 4:30. Don't even want the kids talking to me so we spend all the time after snack outside, "go play" being my mantra. Oh Lord help us all if it's raining. It ****s and I couldn't, I CANNOT, do it all year.

During the school year I have to keep it going until my after school kids leave. I NEED my break in the middle of the day. That's the way it works for me and as far as * I * am concerned a break for me is * for their benefit *. If parents don't agree, then their children need to be somewhere else.
I do the martyr thing with my family, not my business.

I agree with you 110%. I don't work as many hours as you but still from about 7:15-5:00. That is a long time to always be "ON" with no break. All my kids rest, even if they don't nap. I use that hour to two hour (if I am lucky) time to pick up, do dishes, clean the kitchen floor, disinfect toys, etc. Rarely do I get much of a break for ME but if it works out I will put my feet up & read for 15-20 min & I need that time to refresh my spirits.

[Lucy]

Couldn't disagree more. You're putting yourself before the kids. That being said, let's agree to disagree or we'll go round in circles on this. ::

[mac60]

Couldn't disagree more. You're putting yourself before the kids. That being said, let's agree to disagree or we'll go round in circles on this. ::

And this is the big reason we have children with the issues they have today. Some adults cater to their every whim, refuse to tell them no, cave in on most things, and let the child "run" the family structure. And I have read many articles, and they all say that "an adult must put their health and well being first, in order to take care of loved ones, families, etc. Because if the adult is not healthy and mentally fit, it will do no good for the rest.

[momofboys]

Couldn't disagree more. You're putting yourself before the kids. That being said, let's agree to disagree or we'll go round in circles on this. ::

Wow, you think it is okay to not have a 15 min break? Certainly if one of my kids was up I'd tend to their needs. But I see nothing wrong with allowing them to play on their own (under my supervision of course) while I sit & have a short break for 15 min.

[momofboys]

And this is the big reason we have children with the issues they have today. Some adults cater to their every whim, refuse to tell them no, cave in on most things, and let the child "run" the family structure. And I have read many articles, and they all say that "an adult must put their health and well being first, in order to take care of loved ones, families, etc. Because if the adult is not healthy and mentally fit, it will do no good for the rest.

Agree with you whole-heartedly!!! If the caregiver is not getting a rest time or tending to their needs first how in the heck can they provide adequate care? It's the whole put the oxygen mask on your face first then get the child's!

[Carole's Daycare]

I desperately need a break during my 11&1/2 hr day. For a parent to assume it is wrong and putting yourself before the kids is downright appalling. I'm entitled to sit on the toilet for at least 5 mn in peace, eat something without having a kid whine and demand a bite of my food, do some cleanup and recordkeeping so my workday isnt 15 hs long... put a bill in the mailbox, de-stress my brain for a few minutes and prepare for the afternoon-.I really don't care if a parent thinkstheir little precious doesn't need a nap. Besides- some parents lie- and do indeed have an ongoing bedtime struggle/authority issue- and arent exactly going to admit that is the source of the problem. Somehow they think if their child doesnt nap they'll get so tired they'll sleep at home for them in absence of a decent bedtime routine and parental discipline. Bull-hockey. I play classical music/elevator music during nap, and have for the last several years- and without fail after a few weeks- every child in my care, even the most recaltricant, ends up taking nap and adhering to my schedule. Children who arent falling asleep may be disturbed by the noises of the other children, accustomed to a pillow or special blanket, or be "thinking" and not allowing themselves to relax enough to sleep. None of that bodes well for that youngsters health in the long term. If a child can't fall asleep, I expect them to rest quietly and allow everyone else to fall asleep, and stay that way until they naturally awake or I wake them. If they fail to do so I consider it a lack of respect to me, and a lack of concern and empathy for the other children in care, who, without nap are more irritable, likely to fall etc. That lack of respect results in a big fat X on the behavior chart- that has negative consequences of its own.

[TGT09]

I desperately need a break during my 11&1/2 hr day. For a parent to assume it is wrong and putting yourself before the kids is downright appalling. I'm entitled to sit on the toilet for at least 5 mn in peace, eat something without having a kid whine and demand a bite of my food, do some cleanup and recordkeeping so my workday isnt 15 hs long... put a bill in the mailbox, de-stress my brain for a few minutes and prepare for the afternoon-.I really don't care if a parent thinkstheir little precious doesn't need a nap. Besides- some parents lie- and do indeed have an ongoing bedtime struggle/authority issue- and arent exactly going to admit that is the source of the problem. Somehow they think if their child doesnt nap they'll get so tired they'll sleep at home for them in absence of a decent bedtime routine and parental discipline. Bull-hockey. I play classical music/elevator music during nap, and have for the last several years- and without fail after a few weeks- every child in my care, even the most recaltricant, ends up taking nap and adhering to my schedule. Children who arent falling asleep may be disturbed by the noises of the other children, accustomed to a pillow or special blanket, or be "thinking" and not allowing themselves to relax enough to sleep. None of that bodes well for that youngsters health in the long term. If a child can't fall asleep, I expect them to rest quietly and allow everyone else to fall asleep, and stay that way until they naturally awake or I wake them. If they fail to do so I consider it a lack of respect to me, and a lack of concern and empathy for the other children in care, who, without nap are more irritable, likely to fall etc. That lack of respect results in a big fat X on the behavior chart- that has negative consequences of its own.

I can't agree more with ALL of this! I think you should write a book Carole. :-) I have 10.5 hour days and on Wednesday's, I have a 15.5 hour day. Granted, I have no children of my own but I still need that "break" during the day to keep my own sanity. And, I totally agree that it IS a benefit for the children. 3 days a week, I do have a kindergartner that I do not force to take a nap but he has to be quiet for at LEAST 30 minutes (most days 45 minutes) before he can watch a movie, color, or another craft. I feel bad that he's forced to sit still all day (at school) and then comes here and almost immediately it's nap/quiet time. I've talked to his Mom about it and she says she knows there is no way around it. However, 4 and under need at least a quiet time....I have the ability of seperating my kids so they don't wake each other up. So I'm TEAM NAP! :-)

[momma2girls]

I don't care how many hours a daycare provider is open, everyone deserves a break!!! Also I even have the older children do a quiet time as well- they must read quietly for 30 min. then they sit quietly and watch a movie. THey have to do this quietly, otherwise they will be seperated!! They have to be quiet so my others younger and babies get their full naps without being woke up!!!!! I am open 9 1/2 hrs. daily!! I used to be open 12 hrs. daily!

[Lucy]

Wow, you think it is okay to not have a 15 min break? Certainly if one of my kids was up I'd tend to their needs. But I see nothing wrong with allowing them to play on their own (under my supervision of course) while I sit & have a short break for 15 min.

I'm totally confused as to how you got that out of what I've said. Where did I say I don't think it's ok for me to take a 15 min break? We are apparently reading different threads here. I'm only talking about forcing children to take naps when they are that rare kid who does not need one. That's ALL I'm saying. And of course I let kids play on their own (under my supervision of course) while I sit & have a short break for 15 min. Quote what I said that made you think I didn't.

[Lucy]

And this is the big reason we have children with the issues they have today. Some adults cater to their every whim, refuse to tell them no, cave in on most things, and let the child "run" the family structure. And I have read many articles, and they all say that "an adult must put their health and well being first, in order to take care of loved ones, families, etc. Because if the adult is not healthy and mentally fit, it will do no good for the rest.

Wow. I don't think you understood me. I do NOT, repeat NOT let ANY child decide whether or not he takes a nap. I said that at least twice. I also said there are the RARE kids who do not need a nap, and I will NOT force one upon them when they have repeatedly shown that they do not fall asleep. I also said it is after careful thought and discussion with the parent.

I in NO WAY cater to the kids' every whim, I NEVER refuse to tell them no, I do NOT cave in on ANYTHING, and I most certainly do NOT let the children "run" my daycare. I get plenty of down time. In fact, I watch a soap opera almost every day. Or at least most of it. The kids have play time that I am not always directly involved in. They need that time to have their kid imaginations run wild without my influence. Obviously, I'm supervising them, but they are playing on their own, and that gives me a great break.

Please tell me where I said I let kids run things, and that I never get any rest because I'm always catering to them. If you knew me, I'm not like that at all, and I don't believe I said anything to elude to that. If I did, quote me and I'll clear things up.

[Lucy]

Agree with you whole-heartedly!!! If the caregiver is not getting a rest time or tending to their needs first how in the heck can they provide adequate care? It's the whole put the oxygen mask on your face first then get the child's!

Not directed at you, but where did this become a "Joyce doesn't give herself a break because she lets the kids dictate everything in her Daycare" thread?

Let me repeat.... my ONLY point was that every now and then you have a kid who does not benefit from a nap, in fact it becomes frustrating to them when you force one on them. After recognizing that a particular kid does not fall asleep repeatedly every day, and is becoming increasingly anxious over my forcing one on them, I will have a talk with the parents, and if we agree, then that kid stays up and does quiet activities at my table (as I mentioned above) and I either do some clean up, or rest on the couch myself.

Please read more carefully, people. This has really turned into something I never said, nor intended to put across.

[Lucy]

I desperately need a break during my 11&1/2 hr day. For a parent to assume it is wrong and putting yourself before the kids is downright appalling. I'm entitled to sit on the toilet for at least 5 mn in peace, eat something without having a kid whine and demand a bite of my food, do some cleanup and recordkeeping so my workday isnt 15 hs long... put a bill in the mailbox, de-stress my brain for a few minutes and prepare for the afternoon-.I really don't care if a parent thinkstheir little precious doesn't need a nap. Besides- some parents lie- and do indeed have an ongoing bedtime struggle/authority issue- and arent exactly going to admit that is the source of the problem. Somehow they think if their child doesnt nap they'll get so tired they'll sleep at home for them in absence of a decent bedtime routine and parental discipline. Bull-hockey. I play classical music/elevator music during nap, and have for the last several years- and without fail after a few weeks- every child in my care, even the most recaltricant, ends up taking nap and adhering to my schedule. Children who arent falling asleep may be disturbed by the noises of the other children, accustomed to a pillow or special blanket, or be "thinking" and not allowing themselves to relax enough to sleep. None of that bodes well for that youngsters health in the long term. If a child can't fall asleep, I expect them to rest quietly and allow everyone else to fall asleep, and stay that way until they naturally awake or I wake them. If they fail to do so I consider it a lack of respect to me, and a lack of concern and empathy for the other children in care, who, without nap are more irritable, likely to fall etc. That lack of respect results in a big fat X on the behavior chart- that has negative consequences of its own.

Oh. My. GAWD!!! When did I EVER say I didn't give myself breaks? The part about putting your own needs above the kids' ONLY refers to forcing a child to take a nap when they do not benefit from it. The responses were that "all kids must take a nap, no question about it". And "we need that time, so they take one no matter what". I don't agree, and I said so. Where do we get the fact that I'm not getting the things done that I need to, or that I'm not getting the rest that I need??? Please quote me. I'm baffled here. And I don't let a kid not take a nap because the parent thought "their precious didn't need one". It's been my suggestion both times it has happened. Also, there is no issue here of the awake kid making noise and keeping the others awake. I sleep them in separate bedrooms.

I'm sorry to go on and on here, but I hate being misunderstood when I feel I was quite clear. Things were read into what I said, and I'm sorry, but that hit me wrong.