Have you ever heard a little voice say, “I don’t want to take a nap!” You’re not alone. Many children feel that way, and that’s okay. But rest time is more than just a pause in the day—it’s a powerful opportunity for social-emotional growth and learning.

Preschoolers experience big feelings in tiny bodies—joy that bubbles over, frustration that feels enormous, and sadness that can show up out of nowhere. As adults, we’ve had years of practice understanding and expressing our emotions (and we’re still learning!).