IN Sewickley Fall 2019 | Page 32

INDUSTRY INSIGHT
PARENTING
SPONSORED CONTENT
The
Importance
of Nap Time
Y take his hand and return him to his bed. Walk him back to
bed each time, and he will soon realize that you are serious. If
he still seems to have difficulty napping, let him know it’s OK
to stay awake, but he needs to use this time as “quiet time.”
Be calm—but firm—about this resting period. Children (and
parents, too!) need rest, even if they are not sleeping.
The solution is not necessarily as straightforward. Here are a
few tips for a more successful nap (or at least quiet) time: NURTURE
IS OUR
NATURE.
our toddler shows all the signs that he is
exhausted and in dire need of a good old-
fashioned nap. He is yawning, whining, rubbing
his heavy eyelids and twirling his hair—but, at
the mere mention of a nap, he just may melt
down. The explanation is truly a simple one: Toddlers do not
want to miss out on even one moment of adventure, as they
are beginning to understand that they can assert their own
independence as often as they like to manipulate the world
around them.
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
Plan a quieter activity before nap time begins to allow for
a winding-down period.
Make the transition to nap time consistent each day:
potty time, read a book, cuddle up with a lovey or special
blanket.
Never make nap time a punishment.
Provide a restful place for nap time. (Consider: darkening
blinds, heavy curtains, calming music, a fan or white noise
machine.)
Make sure naps are in his bed or crib. This will help him
associate his own bed with sleep.
If he absolutely refuses to nap, leave him with some toys
and books and tell him it’s quiet time.
Give him a hug and a kiss, tuck him in and leave the room.
Remember, sleep is very important for a growing child. If your
child repeatedly gets up after you have tucked him in, calmly
This Industry Insight was written by Dina & Matt Speranza.
They are the owners of The Goddard School® located at 8065
Rowan Road in Cranberry. Goddard offers both full- and
part-time infant/preschool/kindergarten programs. For more
information, visit www.goddardschool.com/Pittsburgh or call
724.778.9999.
30
724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
❘
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Inc.’s program is
AdvancED
accredited.
CRANBERRY
TOWNSHIP
724-778-9999
MOON TOWNSHIP
412-262-1821
WEXFORD
724-935-1100
GoddardSchool.com
The Goddard Schools are operated by independent franchisees under a license agreement with Goddard Systems, Inc.
Programs and ages may vary. Goddard Systems, Inc. program is AdvancED accredited. © Goddard Systems, Inc. 2014