Getting my two year old to nap...HELP

**Missy** · 01-09-2008, 07:03 PM

OK, I have tried the routine thing, exact. and set a quiet time from 1-3 pm. I have cut out all the stimulants (sugars chocolate) I could think of before the quiet time. And I can't get him to nap. I really need for him to nap. He gets irritable and very disobedient when he hasn't had a nap. And now for the last four weeks I haven't gotten him to nap once! It's awful. I swear I am headed for a meltdown. He does go to bed with no fuss, no fight at 8 pm every night and wakes with dad at 630 am.

On a good note, he nearly is potty trained now.

But my problem is he's a...well, he's a brat when he doesn't nap. He needs it, I need him to do it.

MAde sure the big two were school workin during quiet time, etc. Soothing music on, same time every day. It's not working, anything I do.

ahhhhhhhhhhhhh help!!!

**AmyBoz** · 01-09-2008, 07:09 PM

Missy, I don't know what to tell you. My first thing would have been to say set a routine, but it sounds like you're already doing that. I make the nap routine exactly like the nighttime routine. I sing 3 songs, say prayers, and give a little snuggle. My boys really need their naps, also, so I definitely feel your pain.

**monkeywrangler71** · 01-09-2008, 07:17 PM

My son really needs a nap, but he won't take it either most days. If it's been 4 weeks already and you've done everything possible to make him nap, you might just have to accept the fact that his napping days are over. Maybe it's time to just move his bedtime a little earlier so he can get a bit more sleep, and to forego the nap completely.

**frugalfriend** · 01-09-2008, 07:23 PM

I know how hard that can be!! You might try letting him have a couple books or a small toy to play with on his bed. Hopefully he will play some and then get tired and fall asleep. Or you might also try rewarding him for staying on his bed. Something special when he gets up, but his feet may not touch the floor during the "quiet time", lol! He has to stay on that bed! (for his well being and for yours!

) For the reward, time alone with just you, reading to him or watching a movie, or a special snack or treat, whatever makes him happy. He might be trying to get your attention, and if he knows when he wakes up he will get time alone with you, that may just work.

**Darlene** · 01-09-2008, 07:38 PM

Just sending you a hug.

Those naps are golden, I remember.

**lwlynch** · 01-09-2008, 08:06 PM

everyone here naps.. even the 11 year olds i watch. all i do is make sure everyone is up and going by 7am. then we play, no lounging and watching tv. playing a playset, puzzle, stimulating stuff . then at 11:30 we eat lunch, potty, tv for 15-30 minutes and out... i used to have to sit and say, now close your eyes, and such. but after a few times of that and staying on top of them, they nap right away.. goodluck.. hope you get one.. if not, i too agree make bedtime earlier.. mine were always asleep by 8.