Pre-K 4 yr old transition (nap) behaviour

[cr41]

I have a 4 yr old that is very independent and strong will.  She is very smart knows her alphabet, numbers 1-20, colors, shapes, patterns, social well with her friends, loves to pretend and play in the kitchen, speaks very well can have a conversation, knows what she wants, etc.  She goes to a pre-k school, since she was 3 yr old. Now, she just recently turned 4 the end of August and in the middle of October she does not want to nap everytime she sees that blue cot or knows that she will be going to nap she reacts by either getting up the cot, running around the classroom or climbing on tables and sometimes on her friends cots she knows that the teachers will be going after her and tell her she has to go and lay on her cot.  So, we did the sticker reward thing that if she stays in her cot she will get a sticker and it has been better.  Now after her been with me for the Thanksgiving Holidays and weekend (5 days) when going back to school during nap time transition she has been doing the running in the classroom, hall ways and sometimes so she does not get hurt they pick her up.  Now, this is an issue because she loves freedom and space and when someone picks her up under this condition she feels trap and know she is trouble and starts hitting or pulling hair or taking objects and throwing them. So, is not getting better. I have met with the teachers and director and explained that since she was born she was never the nap time child. She does not even nap at the house and just the thought of been in a cot for 1 or 2 hours it gets her frustrated and react this way.  They suggested for me to do a child observation or I will have to pick her up everyday during naptime and take her with me.  It seems all of the teachers and director are very frustrated.  She is excellent the entire day and all transitions, except for the nap time part.  I have talked to her pediatrician and he said that this is normal behaviour.  That sometimes kids have the 2 yr old tamtrum and some will have the 4 yr old tantrum which could be worst.   He said she wants control and you or I just have to be stern that kids like to test you.  Now, the question is:  Is this is normal behaviour? Can it be the environment? She has been in the same classroom and teachers all this time next year august will be 2 years. I feel like the teachers dont have the experience to handle these type of behaviour.  She is not like this at home or any other place is just as school before transitioning to nap time after naptime she is ok and happy.  What do you suggest I do?  This is really affecting me I can't sleep I get a call everyday from her school and now I have to pick her up during nap time because they can't really handled it...The director wants me to do a child observation but I refuse because I know what the issue is that blue cot at school. HELP!!

[allmymarbles]

How would you feel if someone tried to force you to take nap when you weren't sleepy?

[Sandman2]

  The problem really is the schools.  You can't do much at home to make her want to nap at school.  (And even expecting a 4 year old to nap is ridiculous).  It is something that the school has to handle.  And yes, it does sound like the teachers are inexperienced.  Problem is you probably want her to keep going to this school.  
  I would probably do the child observation and yes, you will probably see exactly what you expect to see.  But you will also see what or how the teachers are dealing with the issue.  You also need to see what is going on with this running issue inside a building.  That is something that she should not be doing at home or at school - and is something that you can work on at school.  
  So use this as a communication device.  You do want it to seem like you are interested in working something out - or you could be picking her up at nap time.  Ask them what you can do at home to help?  Obviously having a nap time is not one of them.  Ask them what they have done in the past with other children who did not want to take naps.  (If they say they have never had that problem, ask them how long they have been working there.)  Basically, its quiet time.  She should not have to lay down.  But they should be able to provide something that will occupy her and keep her quiet.
   Actually, what was going on last year.  Was she taking naps then?  Its the same teachers right?  Anyway, its unfortunately, the school that can call the shots.  Picking her up in your car should work like a timeout should.  If she enjoys you picking her up, nothing is going to change.  So I would suggest making sure the you picking her up is not a fun thing for her.  I would also suggest that you do find out exactly what is going on at school.  Hope some of this help!  Good luck

[franky1979]

omg im not sure what country you ar ein but we dont force children to take naps in day care...ever. i have 4 children and only one of them took naps over the age of 2 years. she sounds way too old for day sleeps. how terrible for her that she is forced to go into a cot at that age my children all were in normal beds at 2 years old. you should check wit other pre schools.

[margypops]

I cant imagine any child of 4 year old wanting to nap during the day ...