Just getting reacquainted with Gransnet, this particular topic really resonated with me! My granddaughter is 16 months old, and is a very reluctant napper . I think one of the previous posters hit the nail on the head when they said sometimes children associate sleeping with pain. She really got worse when started teething and I actually thought myself, that she associated the cot with sore teeth ! She will sleep in the car, and also her buggy which is what I have resorted to. I take her out and before we have gone five steps, in fact sometimes just the very act of putting her in the buggy, she's fast asleep. If I fancy a walk we carry on, otherwise I bring the buggy back inside and leave her to sleep. I also have the same problem as a poster mentioned, that of them suddenly deciding they want to sleep at the wrong end of the day !
I personally think everyone benefits from the respite a short nap brings, granny and grandchild, its just finding what methods work . What I would say though is that if I'm solely in charge of the child, I do try to adhere to her parents routine and wishes , however, there has to be some degree of give and take on both sides. I refuse to take orders as to how I have to care for my granddaughter but Im very open to suggestions and will do everything I can to minimise upset and disruption to either child or parents.