According to the National Sleep Foundation, the recommended amount of sleep for a preschooler, ages 3-5 years old, is 10-13 hours per day. It is also important for preschoolers to take a few breaks throughout the day. A few minutes of snuggling, talking, or reading a book will give them the opportunity to relax, unwind, and refresh.
I have seen many children come into the classroom so tired that they head directly for the couch or a comfy chair and just zone out. These young students are not ready to learn, much less participate, in many of the daily activities.
Here are a few tips to help your child prepare for naps and bedtime:
- Have a consistent nap and bedtime routine.
- Turn off all electronics well in advance of naps and bedtime.
- Have toys or any other distractions cleaned up and put away.
- Provide multiple warnings so they know when it will be time to go to sleep, such as: “Two more minutes. The clock reads 7:00. You know what that means.”
- Have them take a warm bath to get relaxed before bedtime.
- Read them a couple of their favorite books.
