Q&A: My Preschooler Hates Nap Time... Now What?
Dear Preschool Pals,
I know you help families find the right schools, but my kid has already been in preschool for about a year. They’re in K1 and have recently started to complain about having to take naps at school. I’ve also noticed that because of the naps, they end up staying up later than they should. Where I’m from, we usually don’t think it’s necessary for kids this age to still be napping. What do you suggest? I’ve already spoken with the school, but they said the teachers need that time to get things ready. I really love the school otherwise and so does my son.
I’d love to help him get to bed earlier. Any advice?
Thanks,
Concerned Parent
Dear Concerned Parent,
Yes, in our experience, it’s quite common for preschools here to require children—even those in K1 and K2—to take naps in the afternoon. While research suggests that many children this age may not need naps, and that naps can sometimes interfere with nighttime sleep by making it harder for them to fall asleep, the situation is a bit more complex.
Many preschools schedule nap time so teachers can prepare lessons and take a much-needed break. Preschool hours often stretch from early morning to evening—typically from around 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.—which is a long day for both staff and children. Staffing capacity plays a big role here: schools with more staff may not require naps because teachers can manage their time differently (for example, one teacher might supervise non-napping children while others take turns preparing). But schools with more limited resources often rely on nap time to give teachers a chance to plan, rest, and reset.
With that in mind, here are a few ideas to help manage the situation:
Check with the school to see if your child can have quiet time instead of napping—this might mean reading or engaging in another calm, independent activity.
If your preschool offers half-day options, consider switching so you can pick your child up after lunch. You may need to plan additional support or enrichment for the afternoons.
If those options don’t work, you might explore enrichment programs in place of preschool, as these typically don’t include nap time. These could include language classes, dance, speech and drama, art, nature-based programs, sports, or STEM-focused activities. Anything that keeps your child meaningfully engaged—without requiring rest time—can be a great fit.
Look for preschools that don’t require naps—these do exist, and it’s worth scheduling a visit to understand how they structure rest time.
If you decide to stay at the current school, and quiet time or a half-day option isn’t possible, try taking your child to the playground or engaging in physical activity after school. It’s not a perfect solution, but it can help make bedtime easier.
It’s also important to keep in mind that for some children, being asked to nap when they’re not tired can lead to frustration or stress. In rare cases, this may contribute to the development of anxiety or physical habits like tics—sudden, repetitive movements or sounds that children make involuntarily. While tics aren’t always harmful, they can sometimes be a sign of underlying stress. If you notice your child becoming increasingly upset about nap time or showing signs like fidgeting or tics, it’s a good idea to speak with a pediatrician or specialist. Addressing these signs early can help support your child’s emotional and physical well-being.
If no workable solution around nap time can be agreed upon, you may also need to seriously consider whether a different preschool environment would better meet your child’s needs.
As we’ve shared in prior posts, like our children, every preschool is unique—even those following the same curriculum. Teachers and leadership shape the school’s environment, so each setting comes with its trade-offs. Your son may be happy and well-supported there, which could outweigh the nap policy. But if signs of stress or discomfort continue, it may be time to explore other options for his health and comfort.
We’re here to help if you’d like to explore new preschool possibilities. Just fill out our contact form, and we’ll help you find the right fit.
Warmly,
Preschool Pals
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