My son has been fighting me at nap time. I wouldn't have a problem except when I put him back in bed, he kicks off the blanket while letting out an evil laugh. My mother said to give him a smack on the bum, but I really don't like that. I am guilty of trying it, and it worked that day, but the next day it was the same fight. I don't want him becoming an aggressive child and I really don't like spanking him anyways. He is very resistant to punishment, positive, or negative reinforcement. He has such an easy going personality. If I put him in the corner for a time out, he sings or looks at his fingers. Any answers. I was hopeing there are some pediatritions out there or someone with similar experiences.
2007-03-24 11:09:02 · 13 answers · asked by Krystal S 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
He isn't even three yet and he still falls asleep in the car. We don't have this problem everyday, but enough.
2007-03-24 11:21:03 · update #1
he is usually quite droopy by lunch too.
2007-03-24 11:23:10 · update #2
We tried giving up his nap earlier this week, and by the third day he was beside himself. He was crying uncontrolably. Also, we have a bedtime routine. I read to him for 15-20 min before hand. Before that he has wind down time playing quietly by himself. If he is really active in the morning, he is even harder to get to go down. I really wouldn't mind giving up his nap, but I don't want a kid that is over tired. He goes to bed at 7:00pm and wakes up at 7:00am.
2007-03-24 11:40:25 · update #3
I can't nap with him because I have another child to look after.
2007-03-24 11:41:20 · update #4
I do advocate spanking when necessary...but not for nap or bed time. That makes it look like going to bed is "punishment." Naps have been a huge issue for me and my son and it's a very difficult issue to handle and go through!! I suggest darkening his room(I put tin foil in my son's window...really dark!) and see if that helps. Also, when it becomes a "thing" between mom and son, then it's hard to go back...know what I mean? Nap-time has become a power struggle between you two and you're going to have to get control back.
What worked for me was to stop fighting with him and change my attitude(because they can feel your tension). I lay down with him; talk about what a good, big boy he was; talk about what we've done that day and stuff like that...all very quiet and soothing. Then I'd leave when he got drowsy, not asleep. The first few days he just stayed in there and played and banged on the wall...I let him. As long as he's not running around, he's resting. After about a week, I stayed less and less and he actually started "dozing," then in another week he actually slept! During the first week he did go to be early...like 6pm and he slept all night. I know you said you can't lay down with him but you could do this while you're getting his "nap clothes" on or hold him a bit before you lay him down.
I definitely wouldn't do any kind of punishment for this. It's a "thing" now so you've gotta change the playing field and diffuse the situation...as it's gotten out of hand now. I hope this helps!
2007-03-24 14:31:27 · answer #1 · answered by emrobs 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well nap time is almost over i know alot of schools dont even do nap time in kindergarten anymore so throwing out the nap if your child doesnt want one might be the ticket cause when he goes to school he might be upset by not getting a nap if they dont do them. also if you are worried its turning into a behavioral problem there are doctors who deal with those types of things im not sure where u live but i do know u can call yo;ur local health dept and they can give u a refferal list. i hope this helps but also if u think its turning into a behavorial problem that is out of your hands i would find a doctor to help so he doesnt get out of your control just no matter what make sure he knows what u say goes. best wishes. good luck.
2007-03-24 18:41:30 · answer #2 · answered by nuzzihuzzi 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My son has outgrown nap time, he is 3 yrs old. But when I have homework to do that day, I get him up as soon as my oldest goes to school and I take him for walks and let him run, jump...basically i let him do whatever he wants outside. The trick is to get him tired, chase him or race with him. When i get him back in the house I give him a light snack and water milk. I also turn on the air conditioner (its pretty hot where i live, but make your house cool), lay him down in some place weird like under a desk, give him a blanket and a toy. But, make sure its safe first! Then give him a toy and play some slow music. And watch the miracle of him getting sleepy.
2007-03-24 18:33:28 · answer #3 · answered by anonymous female 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Why not let him stay awake then. My son stopped having naps during the day when he was 2 and a half. Even at the age of 8 he goes to bed later then the 'expected' time. He is in bed at 9.30 and up by 7am, all chirpy and ready to get on with his day. If he is happy and not cranky without his nap then it is okay. Every child is different and I wouldn't (and never have) followed instructions from books. Ask your doctor is you need medical reassurance but they will tell you the same.
2007-03-24 18:20:28 · answer #4 · answered by wickedly_funny66 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
He is doing this for attention and it is working. When putting him down leave him in his room don't go back in close the door. make sure when he is in time out make sure he knows why and apologizes when he comes out. Also have a clock with a low buzzer set so he has to be quiet to hear when he is out of time out. (tell him clock won't buzz if hes loud. You wouldn't believe the things in my house that don't work if my daughter is acting up cakes don't rise popcorn doesn't pop they only work for quiet kids)
I would say give up the nap let him wear himself out for an earlier bed time. As for falling asleep in the car I still do it if I'm not driving doesn't mean you need a nap just means you are very relaxed be thankful he could be screaming the whole time.
2007-03-24 18:21:54 · answer #5 · answered by emmandal 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I a son who is 2 years and 8 month. I quite giving him naps because it wasa fight. He'd scream for an hour. Not relaxing for anyone,. SO now he naps when I do. I just put the covers on me and lay down he gets scared of 'monsters' and goes to lay down with me.
2007-03-24 18:36:15 · answer #6 · answered by mamato3 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Just keep putting him in bed and rub his back. Keep laying him down and tell him if you are not going to go to sleep you are going to be very cranky and you won't like that later on.. He is just over tired at the time he wants his nap and he fights going to sleep. Believe me I have alot of children at my daycare that do the same thing.
2007-03-24 18:52:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
how old is he? i agree it may be time to give up the nap.. my son is almost 19months and he gave up his last day nap at 16months and he has been so much happier ad well behaved!
** you could try having a pre-nap routine similar to his bedtime routine, that way he can identify nap time the same way he indentifys bedtime
2007-03-24 18:14:23 · answer #8 · answered by jarellsmom 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i would take time with him and read him a story or lay next to him and cuddle him they love that im a mum of 5 all my kids are grown up today but we always had an afternoon nap together, i loved it too
2007-03-24 18:16:29 · answer #9 · answered by forevertrue14 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don;t know but I would like to know. My daughter is 3 and a total terror and my husband and I are stumped as to why because she is a totally different child with anyone else. Most parents that I have talked to said that it's just a phase that all kids go through.
2007-03-24 18:13:41 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋