My toddler needs but won't take her nap anymore HELP!

[kksuzanne]

My daughter will be 3 in April 08 and to give you some background, she goes to preschool two times a week so she can get some “kid” time (she’s an only child and I’m a single mom).  I’m beside myself because she is not taking her nap for me but I know she is exhausted.  She will fall asleep around 4pm if I’m not on top of keeping her awake on the days she just won’t nap.  If she does manage to escape to sleep around 4pm, I’m in trouble and can’t wake her up.  She’ll wake up at 7 or 8pm when she is suppose to be going to bed.  She also is acting out when she doesn’t get her way at every chance she gets.  I’ve read everything I can get my hands on, including diet – what not to do or give to a toddler before sleep time.  NOTHING is working.  I’ve also resorted to the giving up of the nap all together and this just doesn’t work either.  My daughter needs her afternoon nap.  FYI on top of it all, my daughter goes down for her lengthy nap for her preschool teacher with no problem.  Please help me, I’m getting desperate.  My daughter’s behavior is getting increasingly worse by the day and I believe it is all resulting from bad sleeping habits.

[colemomma]

I'm not sure of your situation with being at home during the day, but have you ever tried laying down with her at nap time until she falls asleep?  When my twins were that age, they liked for me to lay down with them in a dim lit room.  They were very active and this routine worked for us.  She is still young enough that rocking her may work.  She may just want to know that you are close when you are at home together.  I wish you the best!

[me50]

my son was a heavy sleeper and went through that  is there any way of doing nap time mid morning then they wake cos there hungry and just keeping active the rest of the day .my son stoped naps at around 3 ish  and just went to bed earlier.good luck it wont last forever xx