We are truly in the holiday season! With all the gathering and extra activities it can be so special to see your child experience new things during the magical season of giving. Within this magical season we encounter sometimes throw curve balls with plans.
I’m talking those moments when the holiday gathering is right in the middle of nap time. Don’t fret! Children are usually easily adaptable! You have some options and obviously do whatever is best for your child.
I’ll give an example. My husband’s work holiday party was this past Friday. They had lunch at a restaurant that was about a half hour away from our house and it started at 1pm. My daughter usually naps from 12pm -2 or 3 depending on the day. I knew the time with enough warning (this is key!!) to plan ahead. We moved naptime to 11 and she slept until about 12:30 when we left the house. I was hoping she’d stay asleep or fall back to sleep in the car but this didn’t happen. She did amazing at the party! On the ride home, around 4:30, I was expecting her to possibly fall asleep, but she did not. A short cat nap on the ride home would’ve been totally fine! She went down for her bed at her usual time.
This worked for her and for us! This is one idea on how to work around naps. A good nap is at least an hour (for most ages). If you can shift nap time earlier it can give your child the sleep they need and allow them to participate in the fun. You can also plan for a slightly earlier bedtime if needed since they are awake for longer in the afternoon.
Every child is different and on different schedules. Shifting naptime slightly is usually an easy way to go. You can also wake your child up a bit earlier in the morning, or just plan for a later nap and a later bedtime. Children are typically very flexible and one day that is a little off doesn’t usually break a good schedule you’re on.
Want to talk about your child’s schedule specifically? Email me! I’d love to help!
Comentários