For many children, a mid-day rest is crucial to proper growth.
Timed properly, this naptime allows their bodies to devote
energy to digestion, so maximum nutrition can be extracted from
their meals. A well rested child is more likely to enjoy the day
and to be cooperative and friendly. For toddlers and two-year-
olds, a brief nap after a morning snack and a longer rest after
lunch are common. Most three- and four-year-olds only require a
single nap. In a daycare setting, many caregivers will schedule
a quiet period for coloring or storytelling during the late
morning, for children who're accustomed to, or need, the mid-
morning nap, then have a formal naptime after lunch. Most
children will resist naptime occassionally. Mostly, this is due
to a desire not to miss out on exciting activities, or a
realization that they have an independent will. When a child
refuses to sleep during naptime, it's a good idea to refer to it
as a 'rest time' and require them to be quiet and lay still so
other children can rest. This