any other kids over 3 still having a daytime nap?

[kleist]

Dd was 3 in October and I'm so surprised that she still needs a nap after lunch. Have many other people had kids who still nap long beyond 3 years old? Dd only really sleeps 10-11 hours at night so I think she makes up the extra in the afternoon. If I cut the nap, do you think she'd sleep a longer night?

TIA!

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potty!

Ds was 3 in October and still naps most afternoons. If I can get him to stay awake he will go to bed at 7.30 pm and as soon as his head hits the pillow he's asleep. If he has a nap he's up and down the stairs till 9.00 pm. He gets up at 7.00 am. He goes to pre-school 5 morning a week and if we have to go out in the car or buggy in the afternoon he falls asleep. If we stay in the house he's fine and he doesn't get irritable so I think it's just a habit now rather than necessary. I'm hoping once the Spring is here he'll drop them altogether.

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Bill, cod?

Pinotmum, that sounds very like the situation with dd. Does your ds wake at 7 whether he's had a nap or not? And regardless of what time he goes to bed?

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Ds turned 5 in September, and we were worried about him starting full-time school as he was still napping 1-1.5h three or four times a week. And sleeping 7.30pm-7am every night. He copes at school, though he is often so tired in the evening that he is too exhausted to misbehave. Weekends he naps either 2x1h or 2h on Sunday.

Dd will be 3 in December, and she still naps 1.5-2h every day, plus sleeping through the night.

If a child needs a nap to get through the day then they need it! I don't hold with nurseries which won't nap 3yos 'to prepare them for school' - I think that's outrageous and doesn't serve the child's best interests.

who on t.v., cod?

prettycandles, I think you're totally right re. nurseries who don't let 3-year-olds nap. If ever they need a nap it's when they're at school / nursery.

I don't think age has any thing to do with whether naps are needed or not, my daughter used to fall asleep in the car on the way home during her first year at primary school! poor mite must have had an exhausting day. Also, to be honest, wouldn't we all love a nap during the day?! what ever age. sleep is a very important thing, their minds need to be rested, but on the other hand it shouldn't be forced, they should sleep if they need it.x

wendy, I do agree with you. I'm all for sleep when it's a positive thing. I do wonder sometimes with my dd though as she wakes so grumpy after her nap these days. I keep thinking that maybe a slightly earlier bedtime might be better.

My DD fell asleep on the carpet in reception a few times during story time! I agree, if they need it, they need it.