My 4 year old son has so much energy, it’s like he never stops! Even after a long day at daycare, where I know he must be exhausted, he refuses to nap when we get home. I do everything I can to make our home calm and relaxing, close the curtains, put on soft music, read his favorite story, but it’s like he has a second wind. He’ll climb on the sofa, run around, and play like it’s the middle of the day! I’m seriously at my wit’s end. Any tips for helping a high, energy kid wind down? Or am I doomed to a no, nap household forever?
Oh, Jennifer, I feel you on this! My son was the exact same at that age. Daycare somehow charges them instead of tiring them out, lol. I eventually gave up on the post-daycare nap and just focused on quiet time instead. I’d let him choose an activity, something low, key like coloring or puzzles, while I rested nearby. It wasn’t perfect, but at least it gave us both a little breather. Sometimes the naps would sneak back in on their own after a few weeks. Hang in there, mama, you’re not alone in this!
Lol, I swear they have a secret stash of espresso at daycare. My son was the same, bouncing off the walls while I was ready to pass out. Once, I tried lying down with him in the hopes he’d copy me. Guess who fell asleep? Me. Guess who was using me as a jungle gym? Him. 
At 4, I think it’s more about transitioning to quiet time instead of a full nap. But hey, if you figure out the magic trick, let us know!
Oh, I get it. It’s so hard when you know they’re tired but they just refuse to settle. My 4 year old is the same. Some days it feels like I’m herding cats just to get her to sit still for five minutes. I’ve stopped fighting the nap battle and just try to keep my sanity by giving her space to play while I recharge myself. It’s not ideal, but I think it’s a phase that will pass eventually
I promise it does get better. My daughter was exactly like this at 4, and I thought we’d never have peace again. Now at 6, she’ll actually come home from school and lie down on her own when she’s tired. I think it’s just about adjusting to their growing energy levels. You’re doing everything right by creating a calm space for him. He’s learning from you, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now. Keep it up, you’re doing great!
I had a very high-energy 4 year old too, and I remember thinking he’d never sit still long enough to sleep. Here’s what finally worked for us: a consistent post-daycare routine. When we got home, I’d give him a light snack (like apple slices or crackers) and then let him burn off the last of his energy outside, running in the yard, riding his bike, etc. After that, it was straight into a warm bath, followed by dim lighting and soft music. It took a few weeks, but eventually, his body got used to the rhythm, and he started falling asleep much more easily. It’s all about helping them transition from high energy to rest gradually
Oh, Jennifer, I know this struggle all too well! My youngest is now 8, but I vividly remember those days of endless energy. At 4, their little bodies are so full of excitement that it can be hard for them to switch gears. What worked for us was offering some guided relaxation exercises. We’d lie down together, and I’d ask her to take “big bear breaths” or imagine she was a balloon slowly deflating. It sounds silly, but it really helped her calm down. Also, don’t underestimate the power of timing, try moving his nap attempt earlier or later by 15-20 minutes and see if that helps. You’re doing great, and this phase will pass!
Wow, this post is so relatable! My son is also 4, and some days he’s a ball of energy after daycare. I feel like I’m missing something, like, how are they not tired after all that running around? Have you tried any kind of physical activity before quiet time, or does that just hype him up even more? I’m still trying to figure it out myself, so I’d love to hear what’s worked for other parents