my daughter the machine.

[mommariffic]

DD has never, ever been a sleeper. As a newborn she was incredibly alert and her naps where in short spurts. When she got older and did the 2 nap a day, I'd literally have to hold her down and FORCE her to fall asleep for the 20-30 minute chunks twice a day.

She also doesn't get cranky. She's cheerful all day [she's almost 3 now] and will happily play play play and talk and ask questions and whatever else from the moment she wakes up [7am lately] to the moment she goes to bed...and I try to get her bedtime around 7, because she has busy summer days. Outside all day, playing running etc. She HAS to be tired by 7 right? But for example last night I had to struggle to get her to sleep and she finally went down at almost 8:30-9 and was up at 6:50 asking about our day and what we were going to do.

How can I get her to sleep more? Do you think she's just one of those kids that doesn't require sleep? She really doesn't seem sleep deprived at all, but I get so frusterated and the day is so LONG

[Abraisme]

My DS is that way as well. He dropped all naps around 2 and really only needs 10-11 hours or sleep per day to function well. We've also had many a day where we're busy, busy, busy and he STILL has energy when we get home! I've met other kids that are still napping at age 5 and I think, what?

That being said, we have a very set bedtime. He doesn't have to go to sleep, but he does have to go into his room, stay in bed and play quietly. I think it's totally fair to get a set bedtime and stick to it. If your DD isn't tired then she can look at books or play with a toy quietly until she's tired. I started that routine with my DS was he was 2 and it still works well at age 6. Good luck.

[kgreenemama]

This may not be much of a solution to your long days, but DS (27 mo) is the exact same way with sleep/alertness. Always has been. I've found that if he wakes up at 6am, he'll take a nap fairly easily. Most days. If it's 6:15 or later, forget it. Seriously, sleeping 15 minutes later seems to make a world of difference. Granted, his naps are not that long, and he stays up until 8:30 or 9pm, but at least I get a break in the day.

We may just have kids who need less sleep. They'll probably make up for it when they're teenagers and sleep until noon, right?