Logical Consequences for a Toddler Not Taking a Nap

As any parent knows, it's impossible to force toddlers to sleep, no matter the parenting philosophy. If a child isn't drowsy, there will be no nap. Despite this, there are many ways to encourage toddlers to nap, using logical consequences as a tool. Logical consequences relate to the behavior and provide learning opportunities for children who break a rule to take responsibility for their choices. In order for logical consequences to be effective, the child must understand the rule, the expectations must be clear and the child must be able to meet the expectations.

  1. Setting Clear Expectations for Naps

    • Because toddlers can̵7;t tell time or control their sleep, expectations for naps should be clear and easy so your child feels empowered to succeed. If you expect her to stay in bed and remain quiet for a certain amount of time, provide a cue so she knows when the time is up. A night-light on a timer or a playlist of soft music will let her know when she may ask to come out. Ideally, the quiet child will fall asleep, but she can control remaining quiet even if she is not able to sleep.

    Examples of Logical Consequences for Not Taking a Nap

    • If you̵7;ve set clear expectations and your child breaks that rule, the first logical consequence is that he must stay in bed for the whole time. When the time is up, explain that he may come out, but because he wasn̵7;t quiet, a certain consequence will happen immediately. A loss of privilege communicates that he can̵7;t break the rule and then play with a highly desired toy, for example. According to the Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning, even differences in the tone of your voice can change logical consequences into punishments, so explain calmly that because he chose to shout, he lost the privilege to play with the favorite toy or activity. The following day, remind him at nap time of the rules, expectations, and consequences associated with his choices.

    What Makes These Consequences ̶0;Logical̶1;

    • Although access to toys and activities may not seem related to napping, it is to the toddler who wants to come out to play and it is logical because it relates to the child's behavior as well as the activity immediately following nap time. When routines reinforce that good naps lead to play time, while protesting through naps leads to something boring, children learn that it̵7;s more desirable to remain quiet and hopefully sleep will follow.

    Appropriate Consequences for Toddlers

    • The EducationWorld website explains that logical consequences should be respectful, relevant and realistic, meaning developmentally appropriate. Toddlers live in the moment, so consequences need to be swift to be effective. For example, if you say that your toddler needs to go to bed early because she didn̵7;t nap, that̵7;s not going to have much impact because bed time is too far in the future. Stick with simple, immediate consequences that emphasize a child̵7;s own choices and she will feel greater control and be more likely to comply with the rules.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • How to Keep a Toddler in His Bed
      A common problem for parents raising toddlers is getting them to sleep in their own beds. It can be hard to pinpoint the exact reason why they might have trouble staying in bed. Some toddlers want to stay up to play longer or spend time with their pa
    • Why Is My Toddler Snoring?
      It was bad enough when nighttime rumblings came from your partner beside you in bed. But now you’re hearing those same sounds from your toddler’s bedroom. How can someone so small and adorable produce such loud and grating noises?The trut
    • How to Transition Your Toddler From a Crib to a Bed
      Ease your child into the big kid bed by being consistent and planning for the big move. Things Youll Need Bed Rails - Children Bunk Beds Childrens Bedding Childrens Beds Instructions 1 Take it slow. If you are moving your todd