“If your toddler is starting to get to the point where they don’t take a nap, set up enough of a routine [in which they] have to have quiet time in their room with a book for an hour. Setting up that routine is important. And also allow some flexibility. They’re starting to test a little bit with having some autonomy and making decisions of their own. “It’s tempting to get into a control battle. But it’s likely that you’re not going to win. Act like you don’t really care and stick your ground about the quiet time. Also, tell your child to keep in mind that if he doesn’t have a nap today, he might be tired later and need an earlier book time and bedtime tonight. Have kids understand the consequences, and be flexible enough to make it not a big deal.” — Christina Johns, MD, MEd, FAAP, senior medical adviser, PM Pediatrics, Lake Success, NY
title: “10 Things To Do When Your Toddler Refuses To Nap” ShowToc: true date: “2024-10-06” author: “Judith Askew”
“If your toddler is starting to get to the point where they don’t take a nap, set up enough of a routine [in which they] have to have quiet time in their room with a book for an hour. Setting up that routine is important. And also allow some flexibility. They’re starting to test a little bit with having some autonomy and making decisions of their own. “It’s tempting to get into a control battle. But it’s likely that you’re not going to win. Act like you don’t really care and stick your ground about the quiet time. Also, tell your child to keep in mind that if he doesn’t have a nap today, he might be tired later and need an earlier book time and bedtime tonight. Have kids understand the consequences, and be flexible enough to make it not a big deal.” — Christina Johns, MD, MEd, FAAP, senior medical adviser, PM Pediatrics, Lake Success, NY
