4 Great tricks so that children want to take a nap & bull; hello healthy

Naps are the mortal enemy of nearly every little child. They prefer to continue playing rather than having to take a break. In fact, children need more sleep than adults. Depending on age, the average child needs almost sleep10-13 hoursevery day. That is why young children are advised to take a nap so that their sleep ration is adequate. But if it's so hard to persuade a child to take a nap, what else can parents do?

Children take enough naps, their growth and development will be optimal

Adequate sleep helps the child's development process run well. A good night's sleep helps your child's body produce growth hormone (HGH), which stimulates height growth. Adequate sleep can also protect children from damage to heart blood vessels as well as protect them from the risk of excessive weight gain due to increased stress hormones.

During sleep, the child's immune system also produces cytokine proteins that are useful against infection, disease, and stress. The less sleep the child is, the insufficient number of cytokines in the body will make the child more prone to illness.

Research by Columbia University Medical Center, quoted from Parents, reports that sleep improves learning abilities for children of all ages. In addition, getting enough sleep can also prevent children from fatigue which can make them fussy all day long.

That is why sleep is needed by children. If the child has not had enough sleep at night, he can suffice it during the day. Naps provide good health benefits for children as well as sleeping at night.

Why is it difficult for children to take a nap?

In contrast to babies who sleep easily and often sleep, persuading young children to take naps can be a challenge. There are children who find it difficult to take a nap even though he is actually sleepy. This is a natural thing.

Children are in the age range to have fun exploring the world. Especially when with friends. So it is not surprising that he refused his parents' persuasion to take a nap when he was still playing. He didn't want to spend any time playing with his friends.

If forced to take a nap, the child will naturally become angry and will not want to take a nap. It could even be that he thinks napping is a scary thing.

Tips to persuade children to take a nap

It may not be easy to persuade a child to take a nap, but you can try the following ways.

1. Take the child to nap shortly after lunch

We usually feel sleepy after eating rice. So do kids!

So, take this golden opportunity to invite children to take a nap. Create a comfortable environment for children to sleep quickly. For example, turn on the air conditioner or fan so that the child doesn't overheat, turn off the TV, turn off the room lights, and so on.

2. Schedule the same nap time every day

A schedule for going to and getting out of bed that is always on time is one of the most important first steps if you want your child to get enough sleep. As much as possible schedule bedtime and wake up naps at the same time every day, even though the day off.

By adhering to a regular sleep schedule every day, the child's body becomes lighter because the hormone cortisol is released more regularly. The cortisol hormone which is always stable gives him more energy and lasts longer for his next activity.

Keep in mind, napping may make it more difficult for your child to sleep well at night. So, you may have to move up the schedule and limit the length of time naps to around 20-30 minutes every day. For example, the child has come home from school at 12 noon, give him a 1 hour slot for lunch and clean up. After that you can schedule the child to take a nap at 1:15 p.m. and wake up at 1:45 p.m.

If your child is used to sleeping at the same time, his body will automatically get used to it so you don't have to bother persuading the child to take a nap.

3. Teach children to be able to sleep alone

Forcing children to sleep will certainly not be effective. Instead, they will pretend to be asleep and continue to play alone in their room when you leave them.

For that, you have to train children to be able to sleep alone without having to be coaxed. If you think the child is getting sleepy, take the child to bed and let the child fall asleep alone. Try not to pat her butt or rub her forehead. You may want to put on some quiet music to help your child fall asleep quickly.

4. Explain that he can continue playing after a nap

Many children don't want to take a nap because they are playing and don't want to spend any time having fun.

However, the child still has to take a nap because he needs it. If he plays outside, invite him to come home. Give the understanding that the playmate also has to take a nap. Try explaining to your child that he can continue watching TV or playing again after a nap

If your child still refuses to take a nap, it's best not to be scolded or coerced. Leave him with some toys or books and give him time to cool off. At least, this method can save energy and make him rest a little.