Best advice I ever received from the pediatrician was to put our son down for a "roll around". What is a "roll around"? After about 12 months most children drop the morning nap. While this is totally normal, just the break for the parent and the child is good and healthy. When we were going through this the pediatrician recommended that we still lay Ace down at the same time he would have taken a nap. He usually "rolls around" for anywhere from 20-30 minutes. He plays with his toys or just rests. I get a break and he get rejuvenated! When he has had enough, he stands up and calls for me. We all need some time to ourselves during the day. Little ones don't really get this unless they are sleeping, so this answers the need for some time to themselves. It also helps to prepare children for time in their room on their own sitting reading or just thinking when they are older. Quiet time is good for all, and hey, we all need a break sometime!!!