Every child can benefit from a daily nap, but sometimes there is nothing you can do to get a child to actually sleep. But day after day without a rest break can result in a fussy child prone to tears, temper tantrums and whining. Today, Parents Ask expert Elizabeth Pantley, author of The No-Cry Nap Solution offers an easy solution for all parents: The Hush Hour.

Q:  Lately, my toddler has been resisting naps. He has an all out fit when I try to put him down. However, I can see that he's still tired and isn't entirely ready or up for playing (and neither am I!)  What should I do? 

A:  A brief quiet time that I call a Hush Hour can provide a wonderful substitute for an actual nap. It also provides a much-needed break for a parent or caregiver. As much as we love our children, we still need some time off! Try these tips for creating your child’s Hush Hour.



The Setting

The Hush Hour should take place in an environment set up to encourage relaxation. Sleep is not required, but the setting often brings about a peaceful aftereffect, much as a nap would. This can occur in your child’s bedroom or any undisturbed room in the house. If possible, remove toys and games from sight, except for a few stuffed animals or your child’s usual sleeptime lovely.



Darkness

For most children it’s easier to feel relaxed in a darkened room, since bright light is alerting to the human mind and signals playtime to a child. Darkness can encourage restfulness.



Sound

Noisy distractions can prevent a child from resting. On the other hand, a perfectly quiet room might create anxiety instead of restfulness. To combat both issues fill the Hush Hour with relaxing music or white noise (a recording of rainfall or ocean waves.) These sounds can be comforting and will also mask any random noises that can distract your child. As an alternative choice, you can have your child listen to an audio book. It’s a wonderful way for a child to relax and can create an enriching lifetime habit.



Smells

The aromas of lavender, chamomile, jasmine, sweet orange, and vanilla have long been used to entice relaxation. You can find scented pillows, stuffed animals, sprays, sachets or potpourri. (Don’t use candles where a child will be left alone.) These pleasant smells can enhance relaxation and can also become a cue for rest time.



Food

The food that your child eats prior to the Hush Hour can affect his ability to relax. There are foods that can induce a feeling of calm and even drowsiness, so a well-planned lunch or snack can help your child relax. The best foods to aid rest time are: whole grains, green leafy vegetables, cow’s milk, soy milk, bananas, avocadoes, nut butters, seeds and warm milk. (And the best rest-inducing food: breastmilk.)



Touch

Many children respond well to massage, back scratching or gentle touch as a way to help them relax. Massage is also proven to stimulate circulation, digestion, promote rest and boost the immune system. Massage can also increase the connection between parent and child.



Ritual

Decide on a time and place and create a simple daily routine leading up to Hush Hour. It might consist of having lunch, cleaning up, choosing a stuffed animal to rest with, selecting music, setting a timer, and settling into the Hush Hour nest.



The Hush Hour becomes most effective when used at the same time every day. Try to create a daily ritual that includes a Hush Hour in the afternoon, perhaps when your little one returns home from daycare or school.



When to Discontinue the Hush Hour


Even if your child functions well without a nap there is no harm in continuing to keep a Hush Hour built into your child’s daily schedule. Every human being benefits from a break in the middle of the day, so if you and your child enjoy the peace and tranquility then by all means, continue the practice for as long as it works for your family.

SEE ALSO:

-Bedtime Stalling: Great tips!

-Can Sleep Problems Affect My Child's Behavior?

-Sleeping Through the Night: What this Really Means

-To Cry it Out or Not to Cry it Out