Help! I think he's dropping his nap!

[BornToFolk]

DS usually naps after lunch, at about 12.30. Put him up today and he wailed. Went back and explained it's sleep time, sat with him, shhed, patted, no go. He was quiet for a bit but wailed again when I left. Am leaving him to cry for a bit now as it seems the only way to get him to settle.

Please someone tell me that it won't be too bad to get him up and stick Cbeebies on for a bit?

He was two last month by the way. Didn't have a sleep at nusery earlier in the week but usually manages 2 hours when at home.

I hate hearing him cry but I've run out of ideas. It's only been 5 mins, but it's horrible.

Forget about it for today - it may well be a one off. DS occasionally does this (also just turned two) but generally does 2 hours (1.5 at nursery).

He's up. I couldn't leave him crying. Tried cuddling in his room, or going into our bed but he just handed me his dummy and said "downstairs". He's currently watching CBeebies with his blanket and dummy in the hope that he'll drop off soon.

If not, we're going out for coffee and cake. He would pick the rainiest day to do this!

This is the beginning of the end, isn't it? Waaaa!

no i honestly don't think so - i don't think it just happens so suddenly like that - you're lucky he is chilled out watching tv, mine won't sit still for longer than 10 mins!!!

I have found that it helps my frame of mind to decide not to allow them to sleep once they reach the point of dropping them. I can't cope with the whole 'Will they sleep today or won't they?' thing, and feel a lot better with the control being mine rather than a 2 year old's.

You're probably not at the point of dropping naps, yet - but once they're refusing naps a couple of times a week start going out in the afternoons instead!

He's totally spaced. He really is tired, was up early and we went swimming this morning so he needs a sleep.
I thinking about trying again in 15 mins or so... but then I don't want another battle. Maybe I'll gently suggest it and see what he does. It's tempting to leave him in front of Cbeebies for an hour but I won't do that.

Thank you for the reassurance! I hope he'll have a sleep tomorrow.

From my own experience - you shouldn't give in to this nap refusal. Crying is just a way to get what he wants and if he sees that it works, he will cry louder and longer next time. I just went through this with DS2 and he is also 2 years old - much too young to stop napping. I also need the down time because I'm pregnant and have a 4 year old. We ALL have quiet time for at least 1 hour in our rooms after lunch. No amount of dissent is permitted. After hearing DS2 wailing for 15 minutes everyday and getting out of his bed repeatedly (and having to bring him back repeatedly) he's understood that napping is non-negotiable and he's sleeping with minimal fuss again. I know this will recur in cycles, but at 2 years old - if they are not sick or teething - they need to be reminded who's boss.

In my personal experience and based on what most sleep experts say . . . its too young. BornToFolk herself says "he's totally spaced, he really is tired . . " Sounds like he still needs his nap.

He does sound like he needs a nap - and maybe today he's got overtired and therefore can't settle.

DD and DS1 both napped till they were about 3,but DS2 hasn't napped since he turned 2, because we lose our evening if he does!

He does need it. He's been pretty good this afternoon but I've used more TV than I usually would and kept him busy. He's flagging now so I'm hoping that tea time will perk him up a bit and then it'll be early bed. Hope he drops off!

Got to go - he keeps yelling "careful!" every time I touch the keyboard. Think the message about not touching the computer is getting through!