Getting enough sleep for young children is crucial for physical and mental development and naps provide much needed downtime for growth and rejuvenation. Naps help children from becoming overtired, which not only improves their mood but helps them stay focused on school learning and physical activities. There is no right answer when it comes to how much naptime is needed, since it depends on their age and how much sleep they had during the night. If a child gets 13 hours of sleep at night they don’t need to take a long nap verses a child that only sleeps 9 hours at night may require at least a 1 to 2 hour nap in the afternoon. Preschool children between the ages of 3 and 4 need 10 to 12 of sleep each day and/or night, no matter how they get it. Most parents underestimate the amount of sleep their child needs, so be sure to watch for signs of sleep deprivation, which can range from afternoon sleepiness to problems with behavior and schoolwork. Remember if they do nap don’t have them sleep late in the afternoon as this may interfere with their ability to fall asleep easy when you put them to bed at night. Preschooler’s naps are essential if your child is acting sleepy during the day, acting cranky and irritable, has a hard time waking up in the morning and/ or behaves in an impatient, hyperactive or aggressive manner. Read more »