The debate is clear. To nap or not to nap. What do children really need? Well my answer is more fluid. Every child is unique. Every child’s body tells them what they need. I have worked in childcare for over 16 years I have happened upon many opinions around nap time for children aged 3+.
Most recently I have read articles such as the ones below:
https://vancouversun.com/news/ubc-report-says-not-enough-sleep-at-daycare
Working in England, where the curriculum is different, the children are given the autonomy. If they need to rest, then they can go to a quiet space and do so. Also, throughout the day there are periods of quiet group activities. There was a stark contrast when I began working in Canada. All children given beds to sleep. All children required to lay down.
I have been told that there was a licensing requirement here in British Columbia around 30minutes of required rest. However, the above articles and myself, have not yet Duran anything to prove this.
We are always having parents ask that their child does not nap during the day. It is hard when children fall asleep, as they are lying on a bed to “rest”. Children need to self-regulate their, follow their own autonomy. This is what we tell the parents. We all need rest to reset our brains, we all need it at different times.
What is the right way to do it? What do children truly need? All are so different, so how hard is it for childcare educators to follow each child’s needs? Does napping in the daytime really affect the nighttime routines? Or is this just parent’s not following through with their routine? (I know this last one is a bold statement, but I also know the perseverance and demands of toddlers/children)
This is a hard debate, it is all based on personal opinions, and experiences. So, when you come up against views that are not changing, and adapting it can be hard. As I draw to a close on this article, I am left feeling that nothing has been accomplished, and nothing is going to change.
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