Nanny quit because my kids don’t take naps

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not all 20 month olds nap. Yes it is uncommon but none of you are pediatricians, haven’t met these children and don’t know their sleep patterns.

https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/Patients-Families/Health-Library/HealthDocNew/Naps

Most kids need naps at least a few days per week until the preschool years. This is so widely accepted that many states legally mandate a rest time for kids under age 5 or 6. These kids aren’t even 2. There is no way they have 100% dropped all daytime sleep AND they are well-rested and happy. Call a pediatrician and they will tell you the same.

[Anonymous]

Were they born early? With adjusted age all the more reason they should have a rest in the afternoon.

[Anonymous]

In Maryland is the law every child in centers and family childcares nap at least for 2 hours daily

[Anonymous]

Every child between 1-5 years old needs at least a 2 hour nap daily

[Anonymous]

OP, there are two issues here. The first is that you should talk to your pediatrician about how much sleep your little guys need and whether they are getting enough.

The second issue is that most nannies are going to want a 1.5 to 2 hour break in the afternoon because that’s typically what they get with 20 month olds. If your kids truly don’t nap, and this isn’t some phase, then you’ll need to get creative - maybe they spend 2 hours alone time in their room “independent ally playing”; you take a 2 hour break from your job in the afternoon to watch the kids and let nanny sit and relax; or maybe you just pay her really really well to work through the afternoon. Most jobs don’t give employees a 2 hour break in the afternoon but nannying for young kids is physically and mentally exhausting so I can understand where Nannies are coming from.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In Maryland is the law every child in centers and family childcares nap at least for 2 hours daily

no it’s not. Daycares like to say it is, but there is no law requirement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In Maryland is the law every child in centers and family childcares nap at least for 2 hours daily

no it’s not. Daycares like to say it is, but there is no law requirement.

It is a licensing requirement. https://earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org/system/files/filedepot/3/13a.15.09_program_requirements_final.pdf

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not all 20 month olds nap. Yes it is uncommon but none of you are pediatricians, haven’t met these children and don’t know their sleep patterns.

Nanny for 20+ years and I've never heard of a 20 month old that doesn't nap

The only one I’ve known who didn’t was because they went through a temporary regression and the parent decided to end it. Naturally it messed up everything. Ranks right up there with the parent who tried to force a 2-3 hour nap at ten am, 3 hours after twin 14mo woke, then no later nap… Totally inappropriate for the children’s needs, all about the parents wanting the child’s schedule to be more convenient for them..

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In Maryland is the law every child in centers and family childcares nap at least for 2 hours daily

no it’s not. Daycares like to say it is, but there is no law requirement.

It is a licensing requirement. https://earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org/system/files/filedepot/3/13a.15.09_program_requirements_final.pdf

From the article you posted:

Note: There is no requirement that children must rest or nap for a specific length of time. The length of time that children nap or rest must be appropriate to their individual needs.

[Anonymous]

OP here,

Both twins dropped morning and daytime nap at 11 months old. I can’t force them to nap period. Bedtime is 7pm to 8am every day except Sunday. Our nanny is older, a previous preschool teacher, and the boys loved her. I feel bad that she was unable to continue caring for them.

I need to hire a new nanny asap. Do I lie and not mention, the boys don’t take naps or just be 100% honest?

[Anonymous]

You might need to consult sleep specialist. Babies who "drop" naps so early may have behaviour issues down the road, to say the least. Sleep consultants can be very, very helpful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here,

Both twins dropped morning and daytime nap at 11 months old. I can’t force them to nap period. Bedtime is 7pm to 8am every day except Sunday. Our nanny is older, a previous preschool teacher, and the boys loved her. I feel bad that she was unable to continue caring for them.

I need to hire a new nanny asap. Do I lie and not mention, the boys don’t take naps or just be 100% honest?

I am speechless with your comment. So Good luck finding a new Nanny after another one. Period.

[Anonymous]

They dropped the nap because you let them .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here,

Both twins dropped morning and daytime nap at 11 months old. I can’t force them to nap period. Bedtime is 7pm to 8am every day except Sunday. Our nanny is older, a previous preschool teacher, and the boys loved her. I feel bad that she was unable to continue caring for them.

I need to hire a new nanny asap. Do I lie and not mention, the boys don’t take naps or just be 100% honest?

No offense to you OP, but I would not advise you to lie to other prospective Nannies while interviewing them because it is never a good idea to start off on the wrong foot - especially where integrity is involved.

[Anonymous]

My answer may differ based on the hours your Nanny is working.

For five hours or less of a shift, I wouldn’t think a nap break would be so vital however if your Nanny is working full-time hours then I can see her point.

Reason being is that caring for two children that age is very hard work.

And that if working a long workday w/out any form of a break > it could be very tiring for your Nanny to not get any downtime.

To be on the go for such a long day can definitely tire most Nannies.