Still napping at 6.5

[Anonymous]

I know there are a lot of SN kids who have sleep issues with poor sleep, insomnia, and problems sleeping through the night. Is there anyone else like us with a little one who sleeps through the night and also still needs a regular afternoon nap at a fairly late age (6.5)? Wondering if this is unusual. She shows no sign of being ready to give it up. It is not a problem for us and gives a nice respite. I am told she is putting out a great deal of energy due to metabolic and motor issues so I guess it makes sense.

I just wonder whether she will ever have any after-school activities.

[Anonymous]

Yes. My 6 YO DS is exhausted after school. This is normal. They do burn more energy because it's so much harder on them to concentrate and do the things we all take for granted.

My 6 YO DS needs and takes naps on weekends. Like you, I relish that time.

And I would nap every single day if I could get away with it !

[Anonymous]

My NT DD is actually like that, too, and she's 7! She doesn't need one every day but does even more frequently than my SN kid.

[Anonymous]

Totally normal in general. Plenty of NT children and adults still need naps mid day. Its actually really beneficial, according to recent research. Helpful in recharging the battery etc.

I would not be at all concerned.

[Anonymous]

I wish my kid would take a nap! Be grateful they are getting the extra rest. I would think that can only be a good thing.

[Anonymous]

my 7 year old needs one too. his meds exhaust him and summer has been wonderful withnhim getting a mid day rest. he also gets up super early so he really needs it. i am dreading when school starts up and he has to go without any rest.

[Anonymous]

My daughter is not SN and will be 7 in December. She definitely needs to nap. I have been so grateful that she's been in a combo PreK/Kindergarten class for the past 2 years at the charter school we attend. Because of the PreK kids, they had a daily rest time where dd often fell asleep. If she had been in a regular kindergarten class, there would not have been that longer rest period.

I'm anticipating a bit of a rough start to first grade in a few weeks. Definitely making sure that bedtime is between 7:45-8:00pm.