I have a 2 1/2 year old son who is starting to refuse to take naps. He has never really liked them, but usually falls asleep after a while. The last couple of weekends, I can tell that he is getting cranky, but when I put him down for a nap, he just lays there and screams. I have left him for up to 2 hours with no luck. I know that he cannot get hurt where he is, so I just let him cry it out. I suppose I don't mind either because at least it's behind a door...beats having it in my ears all day like it is when he's out of bed. Just wondering what age kids usually give up their naps for good. I thought it was a little older. I suppose it varries with each child, but isn't 2 1/2 a little young to be giving up naps? He turns 3 at the end of July.
Not sure. I know plenty of people that tell me their children stop around that age. I have a 5.5yr and a 4yr(next month)
They both take naps still. Have you tried doing really calming activites about 15/20 min. before nap? Good Luck!! :-)
At 2 1/2 we had a hard time getting my son to take naps. He needed them and I needed the break. When gas was cheaper, I would drive him around at his nap time and then I could transfer him when I got home. When gas prices went up I had to physically hold him down until he struggled himself out and fell asleep. That wasn't fun, but I knew he needed it.
I've heard of other parents offering rewards. If your son or daughter is motivated by stickers or treats, this may work for you. Rewards don't motivate my son, so they didn't work for us.
Now at 4 I don't require my son to take a nap. Instead he usually watches a movie or plays quiestly in his room. I now usually teach in the afternoon, so he has to entertain himself. If we are driving in the afternoon, he still falls asleep.
I say listen to everyone's advice and then figure out what works best for you and your son. Every family is different. I wish you the best. I know you will figure out what works for you.
My son is 5 1/2, and he still takes a nap every day. But most of his friends don't. I think it really depends on the child, and how busy you are during the day. If we have t-ball, and church, and other things during the day, then I know he will need a nap. If it's a quiet day at home after school, then he doesn't take one. But we do have quiet time. He spends time in his room reading quietly, and that way I get a break too! Good luck!
My son is the same age, he will also be 3 in july, it really varies on kids. he is 50/50 on naps right now, he will take them, but sometimes its pretty hard getting him down. My friends son completely stopped taking naps right after he turned 2. There's no way to tell when they will do it, and yes, i know its a pain, my son also loves to scream and all that good stuff all day. if you really need that downtime, try to find something he could do alone in his room for a while that will allow that, like an art project of some sort, or cartoons if he has a tv, or maybe get him a special toy that he can only play with at that time. just some suggestions, i hope this helps.
