Nap advice for DD and starting preschool

DD is 3. Still takes a 2.5-3 hour nap every day. She's never been in daycare, so she always has a quiet, calm place to nap. Sleeps 10 hours at night...even on the rare days she misses a nap, she doesn't sleep longer at night...so she's cranky the next day usually.

She's starting a full-day preschool program in September. They do allow for naps, but it's in the same room and they just do a quiet activity with the other kids while those who need a nap are napping.

I know she could surprise me, but I truly see NO possible way DD will nap in a room where there are other kids, esp. kids that are doing a fun activity.

She NEEDS the nap, it's obviously a long one, we're not talking about a 1-hour nap here, it's usually 3 hours long.

What do I do??? Do I try, over the next few weeks, to transition her out of a nap so it's not a major shock to her system in a few weeks when she's at school 4 days/week?? Or do I just keep things status quo until she starts? I just forsee her acting out and being cranky at school the first few weeks if she quits her naps cold turkey.

Help!

Re: Nap advice for DD and starting preschool

Hmmm, this is a tough one. It will be an adjustment period one way or the other.

I guess maybe try to give up the nap now, so as to decrease the stress of starting school?

Re: Nap advice for DD and starting preschool

My 3 year old never wants to take naps anymore while at home but goes down so easily at daycare. I happened to be there today at naptime and she was fast asleep with a few other kiddies while 3 were in the corner with a teacher playing nice and quietly. None of the sleeping kids were being disturbed and 2 others were actually still in the process of having their backs rubbed and falling asleep

Re: Nap advice for DD and starting preschool

Continue doing what you are doing. Once she starts daycare, then see what happens and how it works out.

In my kids old school, nap time was quiet time. They played low, soft music and it would be a winddown for the kids. Usually, most of the kids just conked out.

remember also that this is going to be a new environment for her and there will be new activities, so that in itself may exhaust her.

don't stress and good luck!

Re: Nap advice for DD and starting preschool

I would stay with the schedule you have her on now and when she starts school she will adjust herself. She may surprise you and still take the nap, it just may be slightly condensed.

Or her, little body will adjust to the level of activity and not need the nap as much.

Regardless, if you are getting a 3 hour break now, don't give it up until you HAVE to!!

Re: Nap advice for DD and starting preschool

Posted by sunflowerjesss

I would stay with the schedule you have her on now and when she starts school she will adjust herself. She may surprise you and still take the nap, it just may be slightly condensed.

Or her, little body will adjust to the level of activity and not need the nap as much.

Regardless, if you are getting a 3 hour break now, don't give it up until you HAVE to!!

Re: Nap advice for DD and starting preschool

Posted by CrankyPants

Posted by sunflowerjesss

I would stay with the schedule you have her on now and when she starts school she will adjust herself. She may surprise you and still take the nap, it just may be slightly condensed.

Or her, little body will adjust to the level of activity and not need the nap as much.

Regardless, if you are getting a 3 hour break now, don't give it up until you HAVE to!!

You know what, I change my mind. I agree with this instead!