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Remember when you were little and taking a nap or going to bed were the worst part of your day? It was basically torture to have to lay in your bed for two hours and rest in the middle of a perfectly good afternoon! My, how things change as we grow older! Your preschooler will not understand any more than you did at her age why sleep is so important, but developing healthy sleep habits in your preschooler is just as necessary as making sure she eats well and gets plenty of exercise. These habits include sleeping in her own bed, getting the necessary amount of sleep, and a solid routine.
A Place of Her Own
It is easier to train a toddler to sleep in her own room from the beginning than it is to have to teach it later on after other sleeping habits have been made. It is widely advised by medical professionals that children sleep in their own space and on their own sleeping surface. This sets your child up for sleep success. Eliminating noise and distractions by having their own sleeping space helps preschoolers be able to fall asleep and stay asleep.
How Much is Enough?
Your preschooler (age 3-4) needs a total of 11 to 12 hours of sleep each day. This time can include a nap. If your preschooler takes a two hour nap every day, they only require 9 to 10 hours of sleep at night. When deciding on bedtimes, take into account the time your child needs to wake up in the morning and how much time she spends napping during the day.
A Routine to Sleep On
Preschoolers thrive on routine, and making a routine of bedtime is no different. Routines give preschoolers a sense of control because they can predict what is going to happen next. A suggested after dinner nightly routine would include:
- Quiet play time: Depending on how much time you have between dinner and bedtime, you may have a few minutes for quiet play. This could include puzzles, coloring, watching tv, etc. The key is to keep the atmosphere quiet and calm.
- Bath: Not only is a bath a good idea after all the daily activities that need to be washed away, it is also a good winding down activity. It is a good signal that the day is over, and it is time to get ready for bed.
- Pajamas: After bath, brush teeth, go potty, and get dressed for bed. Wear seasonally appropriate pajamas to ensure a comfortable sleep time.
- Read: Reading a book is a great way to connect positively with your child for the last few minutes right before bed. Keep it short, focused, and full of love.
- Tuck In and Sleep: After a bear hug and kiss on the cheek, tuck in your preschooler and say goodnight. Make this your cue to slip away. Do not linger and entertain requests for a drink, answers to fourteen questions, and one last ditch effort to stay up a little longer! Say goodnight and make your way to the exit!
Yes, your preschooler will probably test you, especially if the routine is new. But, keeping a consistent routine will help them learn what to expect and in turn help them to get better sleep at night.
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Want to learn more about Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Fort Mill located in Fort Mill, South Carolina? Our mission is to provide secure, nurturing, and educational environments for children ages 6 weeks – 12 years. We help children to bloom into responsible, considerate, and contributing members of society. For more information, give us a call or stop by for a tour! We’d love to get to know you and your family.