Crying During Nap Time
A common issue raised by daycare providers is that children in their care cry specifically during naptime. Some child care providers don’t know why the children are crying and how to handle it. When a child is crying during naptime it can be disruptive to other children at rest. . It can be both a frustrating and challenging part of the daycare job. Some experts suggest that caregivers let the child cry it out while others oppose this method.
So, we interviewed Susan Cooper M.Ed., author of “Cooking by the Handful” and member of Applied Scholastics International. In Part 2 of this interview, Cooper explains to what child care providers can do to alleviate this issue.
Own A Daycare: Some daycares use the cry it out method? Is this harming the child?
Susan Cooper: Yes and No. I don’t like to see the crying it out. It’s upsetting to other children. It’s better to use the plan of having a child stay on the cot and look at books. They usually get tired and fall asleep.
Own A Daycare: How can daycare providers handle parents who don’t want their children to take a nap?
Susan Cooper: This is where it is important to explain that daycare is not school and younger children need to rest even if they don’t fall asleep but just rest.
OwnADaycare: Under what circumstances would it be acceptable and reasonable to terminate the client with regard to this issue?
Susan Cooper: It would be acceptable if the daycare has nap or rest time as part of their Parent Handbook and Daily Schedule. If parents do not agree with this as they enter the program, it is best to not continue with them as a potential client. If they already are clients, then their desire to not comply with the Parent Handbook and Daily Schedule would be sufficient to terminate them as clients.
OwnADaycare: What is the best way for daycare providers to terminate clients, if they choose to do so, politely and respectfully?
Susan Cooper: The best way to terminate a client is to start with a Parent meeting to discuss the problem. Then discuss your expectations. Put them in writing. If the parents continue to cause upsets and your expectations are not met, call another meeting to terminate. Do this at a time when daycare payments are due for the next term so that the parents do not have to pay for time not used. If the parents change their attitude, make sure to comment on it during morning greetings.
Own A Daycare: Do you have any other suggestions?
Susan Cooper: If the nap room is a little cooler than usual rooms, children tend to snuggle up in the blankets and rest better. Soft music also really helps. For some non-nappers, ask the parents to look into their diets at home too.
Read Part I – Daycare Dilemma: Why Children Cry During Nap Time
No related posts.
