Encouraging Naptime At Preschool: 3 Tips To Help Put Your Kid To Sleep
Most preschool and daycare centers encourage the kids to nap for some time during the afternoon to recuperate their energy. Naptime is actually a lot more important than that, as new research shows that midday naps can actually help enhance memory and boost learning capabilities in preschool-age children. If your child is having troubles napping at the daycare, here are 3 things you can do to help.
Establish a Routine and Stick to It Even When Your Child Isn't at Daycare
It's difficult for young children to nap midday at the daycare centers when they don't normally nap at home during the same time. If the daycare notifies you that your child is having troubles napping, then it's time for you to step in and establish a routine. Ask the daycare when naptime is and how long the children are expected to nap. Try to set up the same routines at home even during the weekends. Once your child becomes accustomed to the routine, it'll be a lot easier for them to nap at the daycare as well.
Let Your Kid Bring Along a Blanket or a Stuffed Toy
Falling asleep in an unfamiliar environment can be difficult and stressful. At times, all your child needs to take a nap is to have something comforting with them. This might include a blanket that they often fall asleep with or a stuffed toy that they like bringing along with them wherever they go. The familiar scents of these items might be just what your child needs to relax and calm down despite being bombarded with new stimuli.
Provide Details to the Daycare on How to Better Soothe Your Child
You know your child best. You know exactly the type of environment or factors that need to be present in order to calm your child down after a long day and encourage them to nap. For example, your child might need the room to be fairly dark in order to nap or they might need to have some light music playing in the background. Give the daycare as much detail as you can about your child's preferences, so they can do their best to accommodate those needs.
Conclusion
Putting a child to sleep and encouraging them to nap can be difficult, especially if there's a lot of exciting things happening around them. It might take some time for your child to become accustomed to the idea of napping midday; however, these naps do have their merits and can help boost your child's learning abilities.
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