This post is part of the ‘Tales From The Other Side Of …’ series. There are so many stages, achievements, milestones and heartbreaks we go through as parents and whatever we are experiencing, whether good, bad, exciting or terrifying, it’s always nice to know someone else has already done it and come through the other side. To find out how you can get involved and share your story/tips and tricks click here.


A while back I shared a post about my daughter suddenly giving up her naps completely out of the blue (5 Signs Your Toddler Is Ready To Give Up Naptime – Even If You’re Not), and how I was in denial and absolutely dreading it. Turns out, it was actually a good thing. Sure, there are times when I really miss having those two hours to myself so that I can binge watch csi get stuff done, but since the nap times have ended life has actually gotten easier. I am no longer ruled by the clock (to an extent, I still have to work around school drop off and pick up times). Here are a few before and after scenarios so show you why the end of nap time really isn’t the end of the world:

5 Reasons why the end of Nap time isn't the end of the world - part of the 'tales from the other side of ...' series

1) The Supermarket Shop

Before – When L was napping in the afternoons the supermarket shop was a pretty rushed and stressful affair. I would have to drop M off at school in the car (instead of our nice walk), otherwise we would be blocked in by the rest of the drop-off traffic leaving the end of our street for 20 minutes. It would then be a mad dash to get to the supermarket and rush round in order to get back without L falling asleep in the car. We all know the fear of them falling asleep in the car before nap time, it doesn’t lead to a very pretty afternoon. I would spend the entire journey back trying to get her to join in with Old MacDonald just to try and keep her awake, sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t.

Now – We can still have our nice walk up to school and come back and have a drink while the traffic clears before heading to the supermarket. There is no mad dash and if she happens to fall asleep for ten minutes on the way home it really doesn’t matter. In fact, that ten minute power nap actually leads to a nicer afternoon.

2) Eating Out

Before – Trying to eat out at lunchtime was always a hassle. You had to be there by 11:30am so that your food would arrive by 12 so that you could rush through your meal and get her back home without her falling asleep, in time for her 1pm nap. Pushing the nap to 2pm would result in a very unpleasant bedtime that night.

Now – We can eat out whenever we want and there is no rush. We can actually chew and taste the food we spent too much money on, instead of swallowing it whole while trying to get a toddler to eat at any pace faster than a snail.

3) Day Trips

Before – When L was napping a day trip was a bit of a minefield. If you didn’t leave first thing in the morning there was no point going. Some places you could try and time it so that you would be returning at naptime and she could sleep in the car, but you rarely travel more than an hour for a day trip and when your toddler is used to 2-3 hours sleep they will always wake up grumpy on less. If you stayed out all day, there was the inevitable nap on the way home that would lead to a disastrous bedtime, not to mention dragging a tired and grumpy toddler around all day. During the holidays you definitely couldn’t have two consecutive days out or there would be epic meltdowns, and not just of the toddler variety.

Now – We can have a day trip anywhere and at anytime and not have to worry. This last half-term we went out somewhere every single day and it is was one of the best holidays we’ve ever had.

4) Productivity

Before – When L was napping I would always leave all my jobs for that time in the afternoon, reasoning that I would have uninterrupted time to get everything done. The truth is, at that time in the afternoon I am at my least productive and would probably fall asleep at the keyboard. I would only ever get done half of what I wanted to.

Now – I have had to learn to just get on with it. At first my productivity levels plummeting and nothing got done at all, but then I started getting up earlier. Turns out I’m most productive first thing in the morning and I can now get way more done in a day than I used to. Having less time forces you to use what you have more wisely.

5) Snacking

Before – Those afternoon naps were prime snacking time for me. I always get a bit of an afternoon slump and as L was in bed and couldn’t see me I would raid the cupboards and eat all those things you’re not supposed to eat.

Now – L is always around and can hear a cupboard opening or a packet rustling from a mile away so there are far fewer opportunities for me to eat my weight in chocolate which has to be a good thing over time, although now I really want some chocolate!

So there you have it. If your toddler is showing signs of stopping their nap, don’t worry, it actually brings it own rewards. Also, on occasion during those first couple of months, they will fall asleep on the couch for a while or want to go to bed for a nap, and when they do, you’ll appreciate that time way more than you ever did before.

L asleep in the chair

Do you have a toddler ready to give up their nap? Have you been through it already? Anything to add? Let me know in the comments below. Also, remember, if you have a story to share you can get involved and guest post in the series, just click here to find out more.

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78 thoughts on “5 Reasons Why The End Of Nap Time Isn’t The End Of The World

  1. Haha the snacking one is sooo me! My little girl is hit and miss with her naps – I’m still putting her down after lunch but it’s 50-50 whether she’ll actually have a nap or not. I love the positives you’ve found from not napping, though, and I’ll try to remember these because I’m dreading the no-nap stage! #dreamteam
    Lucy At Home recently posted…#BloggersBluff No. 20 ft Daddyness BlogMy Profile

    Posted on 13 June, 2017 at 3:02 pm
    1. Ha ha, glad I’m not the only one with the snacking habit! its honestly not as bad as you think x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 3:24 pm
  2. When your child drops napping it can be quite a hard transition – you’ve adjusted to that routine – but as you’ve noted, there are plenty of positives to no more naps. I must admit, the snacking one was very much me! Great post! #DreamTeam
    Jade @ Captured By Jade recently posted…Day In The Life | 3rd May 2017My Profile

    Posted on 14 June, 2017 at 7:09 am
    1. Yay, I’m not the only nap time snacker!

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 3:25 pm
  3. So very true !it’s lovely to have them awake ( mostly ) and for them to join in with family life and establish a good routine going forward
    NInjakillercat recently posted…The 90’s nostalgiaMy Profile

    Posted on 14 June, 2017 at 9:16 am
    1. Thank you. Love the ‘mostly’. x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 3:26 pm
  4. My girls very rarely napped when they were younger – if they did It really messed up with the bedtime routine. I did always feel a little jealous when I heard of friends getting lots of housework done whilst their child napped however it was much more important for my girls to have a good bedtime routine (I do realise some children have naps and have a good bedtime routine – just I didnt!) #fortheloveofblog

    Posted on 14 June, 2017 at 12:15 pm
    1. Bedtime is definitely more important, the minute her naps started affecting the night I knew it was time to drop them x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 3:27 pm
  5. I’ve just lost my nap time and i dread having to drive home anywhere after 3 as he inevitability falls asleep. Even 10-15 minute naps screws with my evening!! I’m okay with his not napping though as it does make for more interesting days! ‪Thank you for linking up to the #familyfunlinky‬

    Posted on 14 June, 2017 at 6:20 pm
    1. Oh no, I’m quite lucky that a short nap in the car doesn’t affect the bedtime routine anymore!

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 3:29 pm
  6. You’re so right- there are so many things that are easier once the clock isn’t looming over you reminding that a Little is about to morph into a beast! #fortheloveofBLOG

    Posted on 14 June, 2017 at 7:55 pm
    1. Ha ha, there’s no morphing needed in this house, she’s like that all day anyway, nap or not x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 3:30 pm
  7. Ohh yes, I think that Elarna might be dropping her naps soon, it takes her a little longer to drift off these days than normal. I didn’t think I was ruled by her naps but actually after reading this I think I am, hmmm!! Thanks so much for linking up to the #bestandworst

    Posted on 14 June, 2017 at 10:18 pm
    1. Ha ha,its not till you stop that you realise how restricting they are x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 3:31 pm
  8. We are edging closer to no naps. There have been a few days where she won’t sleep. Often she’ll just play in her cot for an hour or so, but a couple of times she just wanted to be free! The current heat and effort of potty training (she’s been out of nappies for 3-4 weeks and still needs to concentrate on reading her body) have made her tired again at the moment so she’s ready to crash after lunch. But her bedtimes have been a bit hit-and-miss which is another sign I won’t have it for long. I have to confess that I have been dreading it coming. But I have also thought about a few of the positives you mentioned. It’s great to hear that someone with experience has proven these are genuine upsides to no nap. I will definitely be more inclined to go out for the day on my non-working days when she doesn’t sleep!

    Thanks for sharing xx

    Initially found you on #FamilyFun but then also spotted you on #SharingTheBlogLove, #fortheloveofBLOG and #CoolMumClub – we clearly share the same fave linkys!!
    Angela Watling (Life, Motherhood and Everything) recently posted…The uncensored truth from our potty training experienceMy Profile

    Posted on 15 June, 2017 at 9:59 am
    1. It’s really not as bad as you’d expect, and certainly makes days out much easier x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 3:33 pm
  9. Some good points here – my 2-year-old still takes a long afternoon nap and we really have to plan our day around it. I love having the free time to do my own thing/catch up on chores when we’re home, but in a way it will be a relief when we’re not slaves to naptime anymore. #ablogginggoodtime
    The Squirmy Popple recently posted…Street Fighter, Michael Jackson and turning twoMy Profile

    Posted on 15 June, 2017 at 12:32 pm
    1. I’m not going to lie, I do still miss that quiet time all to myself, but it has made daily life so much easier and more freeing.

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 3:34 pm
  10. Aww, I’m reading this as my son is having a nap lol! And I’m so glad I read it because I must admit, I have been feeling pretty worried about when his naps will stop. He’s not close yet, but I remember when he had 4, then 3… and it felt like the last two went down to 1 very quickly perhaps too soon, so I’m clinging into this last one lol. I was worried how life would change once he doesn’t nap, but this made me look at it from a different perspective!
    #coolmumclub

    Posted on 15 June, 2017 at 2:36 pm
    1. I hated it when she dropped down to one nap and hung onto that last one for dear life, but actually life is much simpler without it x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 3:35 pm
  11. I hate when they fall asleep in the car just before there nap. If I’m lucky she’ll go beck to sleep but I desperately try and keep her awake because I know that if I wake her up, then she thinks I ready to play again. #coolmumclub
    Mama Grace recently posted…Rainbow BabyMy Profile

    Posted on 15 June, 2017 at 3:50 pm
    1. Every parent knows that dread x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 3:36 pm
  12. i am also more productive on the morning and it does force you to reassess how you use your time. Thank you for linking up to #ablogginggoodtime 🎉
    Imperfect Mum recently posted…#a blogging good timeMy Profile

    Posted on 15 June, 2017 at 7:21 pm
    1. It really does. I may get fewer tv programmes watched but I get more work done x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 3:37 pm
  13. This post is perfectly timed – we are on the cusp of dropping the nap. It’s currently in between and I have to try and drive / walk somewhere around midday to get the toddler to fall asleep or she’s hell all afternoon…if we don’t get the sleep in early enough bedtime is screwed after a school run sleep. To be honest I’ll be glad when there is less jiggery pokery and a happy kiddo all day who is ready for bed by 7! Keeping them awake is the hard part sometimes!
    Thanks for linking to #coolmumclub
    MMT recently posted…#coolmumclub Linky week 69My Profile

    Posted on 15 June, 2017 at 7:54 pm
    1. That in-between bit is definitely the hardest but once it’s gone life is so much simpler x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 3:38 pm
  14. I so needed some positive vibes about this – twin 2 is definitely showing signs of giving up the nap and I am DREADING it… but bedtimes are a nightmare at the mo and she’s often still shouting from her cot at 8.30pm so I know she is probably getting near to ready. Though twin 1 not so this may be tricky…… I’m just so worried about her behaviour in the afternoons if she doesn’t nap… and the summer holidays – I was counting on some mother – son time early afternoon while the girls napped – eek….. thanks for helping me feel a little better about things…. #familyfunlinky
    Hayley @ Mission: Mindfulness recently posted…PointShoot Post #4: Crystal Palace ParkMy Profile

    Posted on 15 June, 2017 at 9:13 pm
    1. Mother-son time at the weekend is the one thing I miss the most about nap time but we have an hour on an evening once L goes to bed instead. Having one twin napping and the other not could be tricky but every child is different and is ready for it at different times. The holidays may be the perfect time, you could alternate days out where they stay up with days at home where they can rest if they want to then you’ll get a better idea of how they’ll cope and whether they’re ready x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 3:43 pm
  15. Just popping back again from #sharingthebloglove Having had lots of days where my little one refused to nap, today we didn’t get a chance to nap and yet she really, really wanted to! Typical! Haha #sharingthebloglove
    Lucy At Home recently posted…#Blogcrush Week 18 – 16th June 2017My Profile

    Posted on 15 June, 2017 at 10:33 pm
  16. Great post- we are going through this at the moment- doesn’t ‘need’ a nap but then nodding off in his tea… #TheListLinky
    Rabbit Ideas recently posted…Letter of the week- 5 waysMy Profile

    Posted on 16 June, 2017 at 10:54 am
    1. Oh bless, he’ll get there in the end x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 3:43 pm
  17. It has been a long long time since my kids napped lol. It is hard to start with but once you get into a routine of them being awake all the time things go well.
    #FamilyFun
    Ali Duke recently posted…A Day In London and A Preview ScreeningMy Profile

    Posted on 16 June, 2017 at 2:07 pm
    1. It has been so much easier than I ever expected x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 3:44 pm
  18. The timing of this post is a bit eerie. I was just thinking about this topic just the other day. Have you been in my brain? I too often feel rushed and like my days revolve around nap time. And I thought I was the only one trying to prevent their child from sleeping in the car. I’m sure I’ll miss the time to myself but the freedom will be nice too. So far no sign of giving up that nap time though. Peachy is only 18 months old. We probably have a way to go. Thanks for linking with the #DreamTeam.

    Posted on 16 June, 2017 at 5:04 pm
    1. You’re definitely not the only one trying to keep their kids awake in the car! Hopefully Peachy will give you a few more months yet, savour every moment but don’t worry when the time comes, you’ll have much more freedom x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 3:48 pm
  19. I’ve never let the nap rule me and just got on with things as normal with them falling asleep in the car/on me whilst out/in the supermarket trolley! Mine both gave up naps at around 18 months, but they still fall asleep in the car or if they’re really tired they’ll have the odd sleep at home in the day. My daughter would always go to bed for a nap, but my son always refused to sleep in his bed for a nap so it was just easier to take him out in a way as we had no routine for it at home! #thelistlinky

    Posted on 18 June, 2017 at 11:29 am
    1. I’m a strong believer in doing whatever works for you, and every child is different. My son would quite happily sleep in his pushchair and stay asleep, my daughter might have a ten minute power nap but the minute that pushchair stopped moving she was awake and in a bad mood x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 3:51 pm
  20. Rev T was sad to see the back of nap-time as he was studying for a degree at home and nap-time was study time! Once that went, he had to be more organised. But you survive! Honest!

    Posted on 18 June, 2017 at 5:41 pm
    1. Ha ha, you definitely learn to adapt x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 3:52 pm
  21. As someone who’s eldest child dropped naps at 18 months I can relate to this. My youngest still naps and the biggest inconvenience is trying to plan the day around it. I don’t do it as much now, opting to let him nap as and when but for a long time it dictated our day. Thanks for joining us at #familyfun

    Posted on 18 June, 2017 at 8:22 pm
    1. It is so much easier when you can just get on with the day and be more relaxed about whether they happen to fall asleep or not x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 3:53 pm
  22. My youngest is starting to drop her nap. But we are in the really difficult stage where if we put her in the car she will fall asleep, which means I’m house bound after 3pm. Any nap after this time is not good for bedtime! She will still nap on the busiest days and I long for the days where we are through this part and she can manage to stay awake in the car. Thank you for joining us at #SharingtheBlogLove

    Posted on 19 June, 2017 at 6:44 am
    1. The in-between stage is hard but she’ll soon get used to it x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 3:54 pm
  23. I’m back with #GlobalBlogging
    Heather Keet recently posted…Poll Tuesday week 14…My Profile

    Posted on 19 June, 2017 at 8:45 am
  24. aahhh! this brought back so may memories and you are spot on with all of your points…’actually taste and chew the food we have spent too much money on!’ classic! that was me. You’re right, we dread the time when they won’t go to sleep, I tried to force my two, “why not go and have a little play with your dolls in your cot?” I’d put them in their sleeping bag, close the curtains, everything. They’d just lay there shouting”Mummmmyyyy”… great post! x
    #bigpinklink

    Posted on 19 June, 2017 at 10:36 am
    1. Ha ha, I tried every trick in the book and sometimes I’d get lucky and although she wasn’t sleeping she would sit and play up there quite happily for an hour x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 3:56 pm
  25. Although it’s been a while since anyone napped around here (I keep trying to educate the teens of the joy of a nap to no avail) I do remember a crushing disappointment when small girl stopped napping, but then like you realised how it frees you up . Thank you for sharing with #fortheloveofBLOG
    Daydreams of a mum recently posted…Out of my hands My Profile

    Posted on 19 June, 2017 at 7:01 pm
    1. I do sometimes wish she’d have a nap so I could have a bit of peace but overall, life is so much easier no we can go out whenever we want and to worry x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 3:57 pm
  26. I remember when my kids were moving out of nap time. For my oldest it happened around 2. For my youngest it happened at 3. I dreaded it too but then started to realize, like the grocery store shopping, that it was actually in the way of a lot of things. This is a great reminder of that and I’m glad you’re sharing it with other parents who might be dreading it as well.

    Posted on 19 June, 2017 at 8:49 pm
    1. You don’t realise just how tied you are until you drop the naps, it was a revelation for me x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 3:58 pm
  27. I was one of those that thought the end of naptime was the end of the world. It wasn’t as bad as I’d feared as she was old enough to amuse herself while I got some stuff done, but it was nice to watch some adult television during the day once in a while without listening to whining or worried about the language of my shows #familyfun

    Posted on 20 June, 2017 at 2:14 pm
    1. Ha ha, I definitely miss being able to watch a few sneaky episode of CSI in the afternoon!

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 3:59 pm
  28. Only one of my four has ever napped in the afternoon and I actually found it more inconvenient most of the time! We were housebound for 2 hours each day, which was hard work with the other 3, so when he stopped napping I was actually quite relieved! Thank you for sharing with us at #SharingtheBlogLove
    five little doves recently posted…BiBs 2017 Finalist – InspireMy Profile

    Posted on 20 June, 2017 at 11:13 pm
    1. I can totally understand that, having older children you want to get them out the house as much as possible and you never get that quiet time anyway x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 4:01 pm
  29. I only noticed the end of nap time with my first – now I have three you just don’t notice!! #familyfunlinky
    Crummy Mummy recently posted…5 ways to rock being a gym bunny mumMy Profile

    Posted on 21 June, 2017 at 11:18 am
    1. Ha ha, no such thing as quiet time when you have older children as well x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 4:01 pm
  30. Back again from #bestandworst!
    Crummy Mummy recently posted…5 ways to rock being a gym bunny mumMy Profile

    Posted on 21 June, 2017 at 11:39 am
  31. Great positive post! I found the same when my daughters dropped their naps, it actually gave us much more flexibility.#SharingtheBlogLove
    Meals and Makes recently posted…Chocolate play doughMy Profile

    Posted on 22 June, 2017 at 9:09 am
    1. Thank you, it really does x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 4:02 pm
  32. We’ve been nap-free for a while now – my youngest dropped her nap quite abruptly when she decided she didn’t want to breastfeed anymore (she always fed herself to sleep). We had a period where she would often sleep in the car on the way home which worked well. I did find it quite liberating not having to work around nap times when going out for the day even if I did miss that time to myself. Now she’s at preschool, I have a little bit of me-time a couple of mornings a week that make up for it. #sharingthebloglove

    Posted on 22 June, 2017 at 9:23 am
    1. Ooh I’m looking forward to pre-school in September x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 4:03 pm
  33. I definitely loved the end of naptime with my eldest who napped until she was almost 3 and I felt like I was free, the littlest though hasn’t napped consistently since she was 18 months old and I feel robbed! As she gets that bit older and able to cope though (she’s 2 now) I do love it and its nice to concentrate on the positives x #Sharingthebloglove
    Laura @ Little Ladies Big World recently posted…A Busy Week of Being Me {The Ordinary Moments #22}My Profile

    Posted on 22 June, 2017 at 9:41 am
    1. Ha ha, you can’t win. They’re all different and they like to keep us on our toes don’t they x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 4:03 pm
  34. It never disturbed me when the kids stopped napping. Well my first one never napped anyway – she was a cat napper – 5 min here and there. it was easier when she grew out of the thing! my number two is 5 now and has dropped his daily nap ages ago, but once in a while he’ll nap in the car.. he is easy though, I wake him up and he is ready to roll!

    Posted on 22 June, 2017 at 11:38 am
    1. Sounds like life definitely got easier for you x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 4:05 pm
  35. I remember so clearly being a bag of nerves each time one of my three gave up their naps, but I also remember that feeling of liberation – yes I didn’t have those blissful 2 hours over lunchtime but it is restricting, and suddenly we could go out and do so much more. #bigpinklink
    Susie/So Happy In Town recently posted…The S.H.I.T. Interview: Makeup Artist Florrie WhiteMy Profile

    Posted on 22 June, 2017 at 5:18 pm
    1. It’s something you can’t appreciate until you go through it, it’s definitely freeing x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 4:05 pm
  36. That mad rush always leaves me irritated and flustered. Although, my 7-year-old LOVES napping(he asks to lie down) and is able to fall asleep immediately at bedtime as well. I wish all my kids were like that! #globalblogging

    P.S. LOVE your new header image! 🙂

    Posted on 23 June, 2017 at 8:01 am
    1. Aww, thank you. If all kids were like that parents would be a lot less stressed!

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 4:06 pm
  37. Way to look at the positive! I still miss naptime sorely.
    Thanks for linking up to #globalblogging.

    Posted on 23 June, 2017 at 3:41 pm
    1. I do miss the binge watching of csi while my son was at school and the little one napped but ours days are definitely easier x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 4:07 pm
  38. This is such a brilliant post, my two were still napping up to reception but not every day. I definitely agree about not leaving everything to the afternoon, I definitely don’t get much done then. Thanks for linking up with the #bigpinklink this week.

    Posted on 23 June, 2017 at 9:19 pm
    1. I think a lot of people start to flag in the afternoon. I think parents should start having nap times too!

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 4:08 pm
  39. We had to stop Toby napping when he had just turned two, because although he would happily have a nap, bedtimes were a nightmare! I totally agree though, when they don’t need to nap it actually makes life much easier. Having said that I’m not really in any hurry for Gabe to give up his naps – if he’s still napping once Toby starts school in September I’ll be quite glad of a bit of peace and quiet 🙂 #SharingTheBlogLove

    Posted on 24 June, 2017 at 2:11 pm
    1. Ha ha, I can totally understand that. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 4:09 pm
  40. GREAT post!! I 100% agree. I used to dread the no-nap situation, but now I enjoy it. My top reason is actually that the struggle is over. It used to be SO HARD to get her up to her room, then settle down, then to stay in her bed. It used to stress me out and really ruin my day. Finally I gave up. Best decision! She still needs a nap occasionally because she’s tired, so mostly it’s a power nap in the car. I love it!

    Posted on 26 June, 2017 at 2:59 am
    1. Thank you, life is definitely easier without the daily struggle x

      Posted on 1 July, 2017 at 4:10 pm