Oftentimes, either Martha or I would gradually dim the lights while the other helped our child wind down. If you use this routine, over time you're likely to find it easier to put your daughter to bed earlier. This is often a tradeoff if you work outside the home, since while your child will go to bed earlier, you'll have less time to enjoy each other at the end of the day, and the time you do have is likely to be with a tired and cranky toddler. On the other hand, you may find that a late afternoon nap works better since your child is well-rested when you come home. But, of course, this means you should be prepared for a later bedtime.
Most working parents find that later naps and later bedtimes work best.
If, after trying some of these tips your child still refuses naps and an early bedtime, yet seems well-rested the next day, take it as a sign that you probably have a bright child who needs help turning off her creative brain to succumb to sleep. She's also a toddler who enjoys spending time with her parents. As she becomes busier and grows, she will naturally become more tired and want to go to sleep earlier. Chat Join Dr. Sears for a live conversation Your own or your child's health care provider is the best source of information for any questions or concerns you have about your pregnancy, your health, or that of your child. Copyright 2001, The Parenting Group.