"Phasing Out Of Naps"

[Sprouts]

I have a just turned 4 year old who is now everytime at drop off clinging to her mommy and crying. She has been here a year and has been fine up until now. She comes 3 days a week. When we ask the little girl why she doesnt want to stay she says she doesnt want to nap. But granted, whenever we put her for a nap she never gives us any problems and always falls asleep!

The mother wrote an email this morning saying she told DCG she will talk to me about it, and she feels her daughter is phasing out of naps. Not sure how I should reply. The girl has no problem falling asleep, so she obviously takes a decent nap with any issues. ???:confused:

[Blackcat31]

Do you normally require all children to nap?

Can you talk with mom and let her know she DOES fall asleep each time she lays down so it is obvious that she still needs a nap even though she no longer wants one?

I have issues with the fact that the DCM told her child she would talk to you. That almost sounds to me like the little girl gets to set the rules at home.

What's next? The little girl doesn't like what you serve for lunch so she' ll have her mother speak to you about it?

Does the mother think/feel the child still needs a nap?

[CedarCreek]

I would reply that I understand that children do eventually phase out naps but dcg naps easily and without issue every day. Therefore while she is here and obviously willing to nap,I won't keep her up. I would also mention that when the time comes,I will let her know and provide quiet activities for her to do while the others are sleeping.

[daycarediva]

If the child is falling asleep, does the Mom think you will keep her awake? How long does it take her to fall asleep?

The way my rest period (I don't call it nap) is set up, everyone must lay down. Those not awake after 10 minutes per year of age are allowed to get off their mat and play quietly.

I couldn't allow one child to stay in the playroom while the other children went to rest or they all would want to stay and play.

[Heidi]

What is your policy on quiet activities in the bed?

I allow my 3's and 4's to take a book, small toy, or doll, or stuffed animal to bed with them. Generally, they choose an item or 2, and they lay down happily. Almost never do they actually play with them, although they sometimes "read" for a few minutes.

It seems to give them a sense of comfort and/or control.

I should say that I don't currently have any 3's and 4's, but that's how I've handled it in the past, and I've had very few nap issues.

Honestly, it also becomes a "weapon" if there are problems. Disruptive children generally loose the privilege of a nap toy for a day or two on the rare occasion I've had that happen. Not getting to "sleep with your friends" is my other fav. consequence.

[nannyde]

If she's phasing out of nap then she's phasing out of my program.

I would NOT discuss whether she needs one or sleeps well. I would just discuss that you don't provide service to children phasing out of nap.

Or charge a "up from nap" fee and increase her rate substantially. On the days she lays for the whole nap it is same rate. If she is up from nap it's an additional X per hour.

[Leigh]

I have a just turned 4 year old who is now everytime at drop off clinging to her mommy and crying. She has been here a year and has been fine up until now. She comes 3 days a week. When we ask the little girl why she doesnt want to stay she says she doesnt want to nap. But granted, whenever we put her for a nap she never gives us any problems and always falls asleep!

The mother wrote an email this morning saying she told DCG she will talk to me about it, and she feels her daughter is phasing out of naps. Not sure how I should reply. The girl has no problem falling asleep, so she obviously takes a decent nap with any issues. ???:confused:

I would send mom an e-mail with links to sleep doctors' websites stating that children still NEED naps at that age. Tell mom that you will continue to offer her daughter the opportunity to nap, and if her daughter does not fall asleep within 30 minutes, she will be allowed to get up. Rest is very important at all ages, but especially during the growing years.

[cheerfuldom]

Do you even offer daycare services to kids that dont nap?

[Sprouts]

I require all children to lay down and rest their bodies, we need a break too!
I think your right about the little girl running the house though, she know how much she can get away with. Her mom gave me a bag of cheesits and said "I told her she can have it later if she behaves" ::when the girl is picked up she always asks for her "surprise"....mom also doesn't know what tine her daughter falls alseep bc she says she just realized that dcg can stay up pretty late with out her knowing it, I think mom just wants dcg to be exhausted for bed time so it's easier to put her to bed

Not happening here, I have her my price list and offered her to have 1/2 days and be picked up by 12.

[laundrymom]

If she's phasing out of nap then she's phasing out of my program.

I would NOT discuss whether she needs one or sleeps well. I would just discuss that you don't provide service to children phasing out of nap.

Or charge a "up from nap" fee and increase her rate substantially. On the days she lays for the whole nap it is same rate. If she is up from nap it's an additional X per hour.

Ding ding ding. This is me.

[My3cents]

Some of the best advice I ever got here was just plain not offering no napping service, and making this known well at interviews. I am a one man show for most of the day and I need a break. The older child can rest on a cot or mat while the others sleep and be quiet- if she sleeps then she needed it. I need that moment to myself, sometimes I don't get a break at all. The group as a whole needs down time- makes such a difference in my afternoon and the parents nights with child. Nap is not punishment it is refueling the body.

Love some of the responses....esp the one of having the child picked up at noon. Good luck with this parent and be ready for it. Kids are so very smart they know how to get what they want from the parents at a very early age- amazing if you think about it.

[AmyKidsCo]

WI licensing rules require a nap time for children up to age 5, so I've got that to hide behind. I allow children to have a stuffed animal or book, and for older ones who don't sleep I have a shoe box of quiet activities that are only available at nap. Maybe having something special to look forward to at nap time would help?

[canadiancare]

I need a nap.

[TheGoodLife]

Not happening here, I have her my price list and offered her to have 1/2 days and be picked up by 12.

happyface Good for you! I took a 5 year old for a couple months who is starting knd. in the fall. He doesn't nap, but mom said he will lay down with video games or TV. I was nervous but I told her I'd try it- he lays on his cot the WHOLE 2 hr. rest time. I go turn on the TV for the second hour, but he still stays on his cot until I get him up! I wouldn't take that doesn't take naps, though. I have to cut my break time short since before my kiddos would sleep closer to 3 hours so I could cook/clean/relax, but now I have to get him after 2...

[MrsSteinel'sHouse]

Naptime is required here as well I need it as much as they do!
I won't do the non-napping kid.