To Nap Or Not To Nap...

This is the question.........I personally believe it depends on each individual child.From experience with both my kids I learnt there is no set rule,my Son would not have a nap during the day from about 18 mnths old.Well actually he would go and curl up on his bed and have a nap if he felt like it,usually 2-3 times a week until 3 1/2 yrs.These were only cat naps about 30 minutes then he would be up and atom.When he started pre-school I asked them to let him read for an hour whilst the others slept,I explained that he probably wouldn't sleep and if they persisted he would wind up disturbing every-one else.Luckily they agreed and he was fine.Breanna on the other hand is still having a nap during the day,some days she will go down at 11.00 am and sleep for 2 hrs other days she will be awake till 1.30 and sleep till 3.00pm.

She is 27months and I have let her stay up only to have her fall asleep at 4-00 and wake at 5-00 and stay up till 11.00pm never again LOL My point is I am trying to let her realize when she needs sleep rather than me dictate the need for her to sleep.I of course will step in and encourage sleep if she is becoming over tired.As you all know there is no reasoning with an overtired toddler LOL I can usually get Breanna to lay down with me and we will read ,sing or just cuddle it doesn't take long for her to nod off.I leave her on our bed as this is never an issue,she knows it is something that happens occasionally.The only reason I persist  in encouraging Breanna to still have a nap is because like all Mums I know my Baby and I know if she doesn't nap she will crash and burn late afternoon.I have noticed she herself is sleeping for a shorter period ,this is good I think she will regulate her nap times herself and that to me is an achievement.I was bought up with the mantra "you will sleep for 1hr each day" I soon learnt with my own kids ........it doesn't always work that way LOL I think if you use your kids as a gauge you can't go too wrong I would say if you are having trouble with your toddler napping try stretching the usual down time to 30 minutes later see how that goes.You could also wake them up a little earlier,you know your child.If they flat refuse sleep,don't stress just give them quiet activities to do(something laying down)If it is possible you laying down as well often encourages them to rest.I do think it is still very important for them to get rest if not sleep.Hope this helps some parents out there to realize like all parenting issues this to just needs a relaxed no set rule approach.Happy napping Merle