Nap Time and Overstimulation: How to Soothe an Overexcited Child

Understanding the Roots of Overexcitement

If you've ever watched your child bounce off the walls after school, chatter non-stop at dinner, or spiral into a meltdown at bedtime, you're not alone. Children between 6 and 12 are navigating a complex world of academic demands, emotional growth, and constant stimulation—from screens to extra-curricular activities. Often, their brains are working overtime even when their bodies appear restless or wild. So when we talk about "overexcited" behavior, what we’re really observing is a nervous system on high alert, craving regulation.

Overstimulation doesn’t always look like stress—sometimes it masquerades as giddiness, extreme silliness, or resistance to calm activities. But underneath the surface, your child's mind may be screaming for a break. The good news? There are gentle ways to bring them back toward peaceful equilibrium—and yes, nap time can be one of them, even beyond toddlerhood.

The Surprising Power of Rest for School-Aged Kids

It’s a common misconception that naps are only for preschoolers. While it’s true that children gradually phase out daytime sleep by age five or six, many still benefit from scheduled rest periods well into their preteen years—especially after a sensory-heavy morning at school. Rest doesn't have to mean sleep. A quiet, low-stimulus environment where the brain can shift gears is just as valuable.

According to developmental specialists, a mid-afternoon break (even if it’s just 20 minutes lying down with eyes closed) offers the brain time to process information, regulate emotions, and restore balance. If your child is consistently having a hard time in the late afternoons—whether it's crankiness, hyperactivity, or difficulty focusing—reintroducing nap-like quiet time may help. This is especially true on school breaks or weekends. You might find this article about weekend naps for kids helpful as a starting point.

Cue the Calm Before the Storm

One way to help your child transition into rest mode is by creating a soothing pre-nap routine—even if they no longer sleep. The goal isn’t to knock them out, but rather to create the space for them to slow down. Dim the lights. Turn off noisy devices. Introduce a simple routine that they can anticipate and even look forward to. Consider:

• Inviting your child to lie down with their favorite soft blanket
• Offering a dimly lit room or blackout curtains
• Playing soft nature sounds or a calming audiobook

If you’re wondering how to ease your child into this kind of transition, our article on peaceful activities before nap time offers gentle tactics parents can adopt today.

When Stimulation Overflows

Sometimes rest isn't immediately accessible—especially if your child is in the thick of a sensory high. After a birthday party, screen time marathon, or a particularly expressive school day, their nervous system might be too charged to simply lie still. In these moments, jumping directly to rest might backfire. Instead, consider leading your child through what some educators call a “downshift pathway.”

Start with moderately stimulating but structured activities to burn off the excess energy: think walking the dog, drawing while listening to music, or building with blocks. Then, gradually swap those out for more calming inputs. This helps bridge the gap between chaos and calm in a way the brain can handle. If you’re not sure how to initiate this, you might appreciate our article on keeping kids recharged with short naps even when time or energy is limited.

Sound as a Bridge to Stillness

Not every child is able—or willing—to lie down in silence. That’s where sound can become an incredible tool, especially for kids who resist naptime but still need a pause point. Calm narratives or audio stories can act as gentle companions, guiding children into relaxation without pressuring them to sleep. This is where digital tools like the LISN Kids app can make all the difference.

The iOS and Android versions of LISN Kids feature a curated library of original, age-appropriate audio series that can be used to soothe children without overstimulating them. It’s an incredibly helpful tool to build an “audio routine,” especially if your child resists lying quietly on their own. For more guidance, our piece on using audio to aid nap transitions dives deeper into this practice.

Letting Go of the Shoulds

Parenting a child who’s frequently overstimulated can feel like trying to catch a wave—and sometimes it crashes before you ever reach the shore. That’s okay. There’s no perfect formula. A quiet moment, a consistent routine, a willingness to pivot—all of these can provide your child with the sense of safety and peace they crave beneath the high-energy exterior.

If they resist napping or quiet time one day, try again the next—without pressure. If they ask questions, invite them to co-create the routine with you. Trust that every small act of calm helps to build a more peaceful pattern over time. And when in doubt, take a breath together. Even thirty seconds of shared silence can be the start of something soothing.

One Step at a Time

Remember, you're not failing if your child is bouncing, loud, or chaotic. Their overexcitement is a message, not a misbehavior. They are learning. They are growing. And they need your steady hand, not a perfect strategy. Start with one small change—maybe a soft story before rest, or a simplified transition after school. Then build from there.

If you need practical ideas for creating nap-friendly environments at home or exploring rest routines that fit your lifestyle, you might find our article on making rest time easier a reassuring next read.