Our expert answers your questions on toddler napping & child philanthropy

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Q: I’m afraid my two year old son is giving up on naps for good.  For four out of the last 5 days, he has refused to sleep, or really even rest.  Is there any chance of him getting back to his old ways?

A: This is possible. However lets look at some other factors in his life at this time.  In my part of the world when I look outside, I am not seeing a lot of snow.  It is summer time and that means time to play, play, play.  What two year old wants to stay inside and sleep when there is a large world out there to explore and conquer with plastic shovels and imaginations.   

Two year olds also like to know what is happening around them and starting to develop a feeling of entitlement.  If there is fun to have, and what two year old does not have fun, they want in and they may be feeling that if they have a nap they may miss out on all the fun that could be happening.
Now as for your question about getting him back on track.  This may be very possible and he may be in a stage where he may deviate for a week, but will be back on track next week.  Our 2 daughters went through this stage around the same age and as I recall it lasted for a week or two also.  If you want him to continue sleep, you should build a routine around this. Also make a schedule for him that is visible and he knows what is happening at each moment for him.  Just remember to be patient and continue with your routine that you have in place.  Routine for a toddler is HUGE and often is the key having a happy child.  

Q: How do you teach your child to be charitable and philanthropic? At what age?   

                                         
A: This can vary from child to child as children are not born with empathy and need to be reminded to play nice and not hit each other (at least with my children).  

A child’s ability to learn empathy is around the 5-7 year mark and teaching them should start at home with a discussion about privileges.  I know that most of North America is in economic trouble, however we are privileged in that that we can go to a hospital with a trauma or illness or go to a food banks if we are hungry.  There are many parts of the world where this is not the case and by letting children know that we are “privileged”we can show them the importance of sharing.

It is also important to let your children know that there are needs in your community that need attention.  Have your children get involved in some way after explaining what charity is.  You can have your children collect change for a charitable cause or have then pick food when grocery shopping for a local food bank.  There are lots of possibilities for your children to learn and contribute to society and the earlier they learn this, the better citizens they may become.