I think somebody needs a nap.

[perth]

I'm with Dar. When my son starts crying at the suggestion of getting out the colouring books and crayons, it's time for a nap. Sometimes, what's wrong is simply that he is tired. But of course, there is no way he will ever admit that to me. Naptime is not fun (although it doesn't have to be torture), but still something that needs to be done with young children. My son gets a 2-hour nap most every day, and if he doesn't get that, starts acting fussy and rubbing his eyes, you can be pretty certain that yes, someone needs a nap.

But I do agree that more than a few parents use this as a copout. But the times I've seen it, its been used by parents who never learned how to discipline their children in the first place. Naptime should never be used as punishment, a parent should do their best to make it as positive an experience as possible.