What to Do when Your Toddler Drops His Naps

Your three year old thinks he's a big boy, so big in fact, that instead of his afternoon nap, he whines and cries until you go and get him and allow him up. It's official, he has dropped his nap. What is a mother to do when her toddler no longer sleeps during the day?

Regardless if he's sleeping or not, many toddlers still need downtime throughout the day, as do their mothers. Here are some tips to get that much needed rest time for you and your little one.

1. Establish a routine. Children thrive on routine, whether they are sleeping or not, doing the same things before nap time will cue their bodies in to the fact that it will soon be time to sleep.

2. Move nap time back by an hour. Some toddlers, will no longer be tired during their original nap time, but an hour later are exhausted. Move their nap time back by an hour or so, and see if they won't take a quick nap. Never however, allow them to sleep past four o'clock, as this generally affects their ability to fall asleep at night time.

3. Exercise. Allowing your little one to run off some extra energy in the early morning hours, will help him settle down easier for a nap. If his body is exhausted and worn out, there is a much greater chance that he will take a nap.