Question
A 4-year-old child does not take a nap during the day, delays bedtime, but is otherwise normal. How should this situation be handled?
Answer
Some children may not take naps due to specific reasons, and parents should first understand the cause before determining whether the child’s lack of napping will have adverse effects. Hunger, coldness, and discomfort are possible reasons for a child not taking a nap. Find the cause, satisfy the child, and they will comply with taking a nap. Not taking a nap could be a sign of physical discomfort, and parents should be vigilant. Adequate sleep significantly impacts a child’s intellectual development, as sufficient sleep can promote brain protein synthesis and intellectual growth. Insufficient sleep leads to poor mental state, reduced ability to accept information, and decreased learning ability. However, just because sleep is crucial for a child’s intellectual development does not necessarily mean that not taking a nap will affect their intelligence.