We’ve all heard this before…parents want their kids to be woken up or kept awake at rest time because they just won’t go to sleep at night. It can be incredibly frustrating for all involved, but we have to keep the focus on the child. So here to help navigate this conversation, here are some points that will help you, whether you are a provider or a parent or guardian.
FOR THE PROVIDER
*What are the rules? Every state has child care regulations that must be followed by the child care, preschool etc. What are those rules and how do they relate to the child’s need for rest. And are rest policies clearly outlined in my handbook?
*Given the age of the child and developmental stage, does the child show a need for sleep? Is the child acting tired (use common cues like eye rubbing, yawning, loss of coordination…)
*Think about the needs of the children in your program. Is it feasible for this child to stay awake and still meet the needs of all children? If not, imagine that the child is not sleepy. How would you meet the child’s changing need?
*Are your own needs dictating the expectation that all children nap? We have all been there…those days when we are in desperate need of peace and quiet. And that’s okay, we just have to make sure that our needs are not being met at the expense of the children. I know this sounds obvious, but many of us work alone, and it can become difficult to balance the needs of all.
FOR THE FAMILY
*Is your child sleepy at rest time? Is your child sleepy at bedtime? Each day is different, and keeping a calendar may prove helpful. You may notice a pattern that relates directly to child care days, extra busy weekends, or family activities. It can’t hurt to check it out.
*What time is bedtime? Why? Sometimes the time we set has little to do with the child, more to do with ourselves as parents. And there is nothing wrong with that, but let’s be thoughtful about how it impacts the routines and the child’s changing needs.
*And on that note, your child may need a later bedtime. Keep in mind that as they get older, especially age 4 and 5, but always, they have more and more thoughts that they need to process. I don’t know about you, but I tend to think about the events of the day as I am trying to settle in for the night. Children do this too, and it makes sleep hard to come by.
*Another thing to keep in mind is that keeping up with a bunch of other children during the day can be exhausting. Maybe your child cannot stay awake at rest time because they are just plain tuckered out. It’s a good thing! I know it changes up the evening routine, but just remember that your child does not have a diabolical and evil plan to mess with the sleep routine. He or she is just tired after a busy morning and hearty lunch.
*Finally, a later bedtime is an opportunity, not a monkey wrench. Spend some extra time reading a story, snuggling, baking together, or cleaning up together. And don’t be afraid to say, “I’m really tired and so you need to rest in your room.” Because guess what? It is an opportunity for your child as well. Maybe they wanted to play with a deck of cards but they forgot. Maybe there is a book that they can’t get enough of or maybe their stuffies have been neglected for a bit.
I hope this helps all of you, goodness knows we have all been there! Sometimes it stinks, but they are only little once…enjoy!
JenniferCyrFamilyChildCare 
well done Jen…
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Oh gosh I remember this was very frustrating for me during kindergarten days. My kids would be up so late but as you suggested I encourage them to still go to bed at the same time but they were allowed to read or play on m their bed with a quiet toy. Sometimes it worked.
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