by Marsupial

Created on: June 18, 2008   Last Updated: November 10, 2011

Children do best in familiar surroundings and timetables. When adjustments need to be made to one or the other, it becomes that much more important to find the most consistent alternative possible. The notion that children will adapt when removed from familiar surroundings and schedules is, frankly, selfish. There may be times when it is simply impossible to keep to a particular nap schedule, for instance, but efforts can be made for the child to rest in an airplane, a car seat or almost anywhere.

Keeping a nap schedule during the holidays is just as important as keeping a nap schedule during regular day-to-day activities, if not more so. A parent who recognizes the positive effects of a nap schedule on their children day-to-day ought to recognize and see the need for the same during the holidays. Let's look at a few of these positive effects:

Happiness

When a child misses a significant nap time window, he typically will not realize it. The child may become confused and upset when he starts to feel tired or weepy, which results in a sad or unresponsive demeanor. The need for rest increases as the surroundings change during the holidays, because there is more information to be processed. Ever wonder why so many children are seen frowning in the family portrait during a holiday? Their world may have been turned upside down by something as simple as missing a nap!

Confidence

Children find security in routines, considering there is not much over which they have any control yet. A routine puts the child in-the-know, which helps them make sense of their surroundings. If during the holidays, whether at home or not, the child can expect to get up and have breakfast followed by at least some of his regular activities, he can face the day with confidence. If, however, the child is awakened and rushed into the car in their pajamas before breakfast, he may become anxious about that day and the days to follow. Efforts to reason with the child (e.g. "we'll get to have breakfast in the airport") may have very little impact on the child's level of anxiety, no matter how inconsequential the anxiety may seem to the adult.

Trust

When efforts are made to care for a child in the ways in which he has grown accustomed, a lasting trust is built. "I can count on my parents/caretakers to meet my needs because they've shown me that I matter to them." That same child may protest at every mention of a nap, but will most likely be grateful for the opportunity to have rested.

Health

Adequate sleep is a coveted commodity to adults, especially during the holidays. We often find ourselves fighting illnesses we otherwise might have been able to fend off had we given ourselves time to recuperate. But adequate sleep via nap schedules for children during the holidays is more than a commodity, it's a necessity.

So, how do you ensure your child's happiness, confidence, trust and health during the holidays? Don't get so wrapped up in visiting with family and friends that you lose track of time. Beyond that, pay close attention to your child's signals (i.e. grumpy behavior, rubbing eyes) since he may need to nap earlier or more often during the course of the holiday. Make sure he has a favorite blanket or stuffed toy from his bed and encourage him to rest on your shoulder if you're out and about. Carry him, if need be. It's as simple as that.

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