sleep issues

[EAP]

What is going on with kids not sleeping anymore? I have a 12 month old that only needs one 2 hour nap, 18 month old that barely sleeps one hour and a 7 month old who is averaging 1.5 hours in naps during the day. Is it the transition from being on on-demand schedules that is doing it? It seems like a trend that is very difficult to manage.

[Shell]

What is going on with kids not sleeping anymore? I have a 12 month old that only needs one 2 hour nap, 18 month old that barely sleeps one hour and a 7 month old who is averaging 1.5 hours in naps during the day. Is it the transition from being on on-demand schedules that is doing it? It seems like a trend that is very difficult to manage.

Oh, I hear you! I am finding that the new babies/toddlers I am caring for are terrible nappers/sleepers. When I ask the parents about routines, night time schedules, there typically aren't any- they nap on the go in the car, put the kids to sleep in swings, car seats (all against our regulations), hold them constantly, feed them for every single time they cry (even when they aren't hungry), don't want them to cry for any reason, so they give in to every request. It's making my job so much harder, and more stressful, but I do eventually get them on a routine and schedule.

And, I forgot to mention- the parents of the 2 year olds that swear their child has outgrown a nap -so they are a mess all day long, and are miserable.

[daycarediva]

My kids who nap less do so because they go to 'sleep' right after dinner.

Also, no schedule, no consistency, no routine.

Never being allowed to cry or be upset without someone giving them something to make that stop, etc.

[Blackcat31]

I think it has to do with lack of physical movement and exhaustion of energy levels.

If a kid doesn't ever have the opportunity to run and play and breath all that wonderful fresh air, they are rarely in need of a nap during the day.

Laying around clicking through TV channels or swiping your finger from one side to the other doesn't count as exercising and rarely burns calories.

[Meyou]

I think it has to do with lack of physical movement and exhaustion of energy levels.

If a kid doesn't ever have the opportunity to run and play and breath all that wonderful fresh air, they are rarely in need of a nap during the day.

Laying around clicking through TV channels or swiping your finger from one side to the other doesn't count as exercising and rarely burns calories.

This. Even a 20 minute dance party can work wonders with my group.

[Heidi]

Well, I have a similar complaint. But, I think BC just figured it out for me!

I was wondering why everyone here is napping so badly all of the sudden. BINGO! It's been too cold to go outside.

I think it's time to come up with some clever alternatives.

[Blackcat31]

Well, I have a similar complaint. But, I think BC just figured it out for me!

I was wondering why everyone here is napping so badly all of the sudden. BINGO! It's been too cold to go outside.

I think it's time to come up with some clever alternatives.

This is where I am eternally grateful for my local YMCA. They come with their bus and pick up ALL but 3 of my kiddos every Tuesday and Thursday and take them to swim lessons. They are gone about 1.75 hours.

The kids sleep so soundly on those days.

It's currently 3:02 here and ALL of them are still asleep.

[EAP]

I think it has to do with lack of physical movement and exhaustion of energy levels.

If a kid doesn't ever have the opportunity to run and play and breath all that wonderful fresh air, they are rarely in need of a nap during the day.

Laying around clicking through TV channels or swiping your finger from one side to the other doesn't count as exercising and rarely burns calories.

Two of mine are crawlers and the oldest never stops moving - we also do an hour outside everyday (unless it is raining) and there is zero screen time at my program, I have no clue what they do at home. But I agree kids always sleep better after running and playing.

[Blackcat31]

Two of mine are crawlers and the oldest never stops moving - we also do an hour outside everyday (unless it is raining) and there is zero screen time at my program, I have no clue what they do at home. But I agree kids always sleep better after running and playing.

Oh hun, I am sorry. I didn't mean to imply the lack of physical movement at your house.

I was simply referring to overall parenting and what things the kids do at home and on their off time.

I think THAT time (at home) is the root of all behaviors, or a vast majority of them, that we see as providers.

[EAP]

Oh hun, I am sorry. I didn't mean to imply the lack of physical movement at your house.

I was simply referring to overall parenting and what things the kids do at home and on their off time.

I think THAT time (at home) is the root of all behaviors, or a vast majority of them, that we see as providers.

Lol! Yeah there is a serious lack of structure happening regarding healthy sleeping habits, and sleep is so fundamental to good health. It's so frustrating to see children who are so over tired and have no self soothing or coping skills.

[cheerfuldom]

Its definitely lack of activity and lack of schedule.

I have the opposite problem. kids that want to or need to sleep all day at my house.