Sleep is crucial for a growing mind and body. Studies tell us that a 6 month old should nap 2 – 3 times a day, totalling 5 hours; 1 years – 1 or 2 naps, totalling 4 hours; a 2 year old will have 1 or 2 naps, totalling 2 or 3 hours; at 3 years they have 1 nap for an hour or 2; and 4 – 5 year olds will only rest for about an hour. These are only generalisations, because each child is different, yet childcare providers have laws and regulations that they must abide by when it comes to nap times. So, how can you help your child transition from nap time at home to nap time at childcare? Let’s look at a few our suggestions.
Pre-naptime
To start your child winding down from the exciting, energetic play of their morning, begin an activity that is slower and quieter. Many childcare centres use yoga or meditation techniques to calm the children and get them in the right headspace for relaxing and napping.
Atmosphere
You can prepare your child for naptime by setting the right tone for relaxation by providing the right atmosphere. Soothing music and calming smells can help wind the children down, relaxing them. Having a darker space with less stimulating visuals can slow their minds down too, triggering a sleep response. A colourful poster with many things going on can keep a child entertained and their brain switched on instead of allowing sleep to take hold.
Routine
Having a naptime routine allows your child to know what is happening next and their body begins to prepare itself for what’s expected – sleep. If you can, ask your child’s childcare provider what their naptime routine is, and then incorporate some of their techniques at home. Again, this helps children feel comfortable in knowing what’s happening next so naptime in childcare won’t be so different from home.
Expectations
Talking to your child helps too, explain to them what is expected and why they need to do it. Tell them that their growing body needs sleep to make them stronger. Build empathy for the other children and let your child know that at childcare all the children have naptime, so they can all grow stronger. Explain that even if they don’t sleep, it is naptime, and they are expected to be quiet and still, so the other children can get their sleep.
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Transitioning into childcare can be daunting for children and parents, but by introducing some of their practices and activities at home you can manage your child’s expectations and prepare them for their next big step. You can help stimulate your child’s naptime at childcare with atmosphere and routine at home.
