Mom’s ‘Nap Fairy’ hack sparks strict parenting debate

Would you pay your kid to nap? The ‘Nap Fairy’ hack is sparking debate

Photo Credit: Tiktok / @findfoodfreedom

“I pay my daughter to take naps. Not the baby, the toddler. And before you judge me, this s**t works.”

By Jordan Fink Updated Mar. 03, 2025

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Any parent who has battled a stubborn toddler at nap time knows the struggle is real. But one mom has found a creative way to encourage those much-needed midday rests—and it’s sparking a debate among parents.

TikTok user @findfoodfreedom has gone viral with her strategy, earning 1.5 million views: she gives her toddler a small “payment” for napping. Enter: the Nap Fairy.

“I pay my daughter to take naps. Not the baby, the toddler. And before you judge me, this s**t works.”

Like so many parents, she noticed that while her child naps easily at daycare, she resists at home. The Nap Fairy steps in as a motivator, leaving a penny, nickel, dime, or quarter for a well-earned nap.

“She decided she doesn’t want to nap at home on the weekends. She goes to school and naps for them like a princess. But I saw someone talk about the Nap Fairy—yes, the Nap Fairy comes and brings a penny, a nickel, a dime, a quarter. If she falls asleep, she gets paid.”

@findfoodfreedom
i saw this on social media and idk who suggested this so please comment below if it was you🩵 #parenting #parentingtips #postpartum #toddlersoftiktok #toddlermom #naptime
♬ original sound – Find Food Freedom

Parents in the comments were intrigued:

• Special Kay: “How did you introduce the nap fairy??” (2.1K likes)

• F: “We listen and we take notes.” (17.2K likes)

• Eve: “I pay my toddler for using the potty, she gets a quarter and I help her count her money then when we go to Walmart she can either get something small or she can save up for a toy.” (1.1K likes)

One user summed up what many parents were thinking: why didn’t I think of this sooner?

Does paying kids for good behavior actually work?

The viral video raises a bigger parenting question: Can small incentives help reinforce positive habits, or do they set up kids to expect rewards for everything?

Behavioral experts say it depends on how rewards are used. Research in the National Institute of Health suggests that small, immediate rewards—like a coin from the Nap Fairy—can be an effective way to help kids build habits that require self-regulation, such as napping, potty training, or cleaning up toys. The key is balancing external motivation (the reward) with internal motivation, so kids learn to do things for their own benefit rather than just for a prize.

“The Nap Fairy only comes when those eyes get heavy and you rest your head on the pillow. She loves it.”

Experts would call this a positive reinforcement strategy, and it works—especially for strong-willed kids who know you can’t actually make them nap. The small incentive provides encouragement while keeping nap time lighthearted.

However, research suggests that the impact of rewards on motivation depends on how they are structured. While some studies indicate that over-reliance on tangible rewards—especially those that are expected and loosely tied to performance—can reduce intrinsic motivation for tasks kids already find engaging, rewards can also enhance motivation for less interesting tasks.

Verbal praise, in particular, tends to have a positive effect. In other words, if the Nap Fairy takes a day off, naps might not disappear—especially if the focus has been on encouragement rather than just the reward.

How to use this hack without over-relying on rewards

If you’re considering trying the Nap Fairy approach, here’s how to make sure it supports your toddler’s sleep routine without becoming a long-term expectation:

• Keep the reward small: A few cents, a sticker, or a fun ritual (like placing the coin in a special bank) is enough. No need for big prizes.

• Pair it with intrinsic rewards: Instead of just saying, “Yay, here’s your money,” reinforce the natural benefits: “Wow, you look so well-rested after your nap!”

• Give your child ownership: Encourage them to decide what to do with their reward—save, spend, or stash it in their unicorn piggy bank.

• Fade the reward over time: Once naps become routine, reduce the Nap Fairy’s visits. Maybe she only comes on weekends or eventually “retires” when naps are well-established.

Not sold on the nap fairy? Try these alternatives

If paying for naps isn’t your style, there are plenty of other ways to help your toddler embrace rest:

Use a “rest time” approach: Even if your child doesn’t sleep, setting up a quiet time with books, soft music, or a lovey helps them recharge.
Create a cozy nap routine: A short wind-down routine—like reading the same book before every nap—signals to their brain that it’s time to rest.
Try a ‘sleep buddy’ system: Some toddlers nap better when they know their stuffed animal or doll is “napping” too—encouraging them to rest so their buddy gets some sleep.

No matter what strategy you choose, the key is to make naps feel like a natural, positive part of the day rather than a battle. And if your toddler still resists? Don’t worry—you’re not alone.