Sleep trouble isn’t just an adult problem; preschool children have trouble getting to sleep, too. Before you know it, bedtime can become a battle when little bodies don’t bide by the clock. Here are five tips to help you win the fight in encouraging your preschooler to get some much needed rest.
1. Ensure your kid has had a fun-filled day
Whether that's socializing or challenging themselves physically or academically, encouraging your child to make the most of every day and explore their capabilities is a vital part of growing up. If your kid is at preschool and you haven't been able to speak to their teacher in a while, take 5 minutes on your next visit for a quick catch-up to see how they're doing and if you can take learning beyond the classroom.
Looking for a preschool? Kids Konnect has three preschools across the Bay Area in Oakland, San Mateo, and Pacifica all running a play-based curriculum.
2. Get lots of fresh air
Believe it or not, lots of fresh air and exercise can help your kid get to sleep on time. Exercise is so important for every kid's physical and psychological development and fresh air filled with oxygen helps them relax and release all the energy that's been building up throughout the day.
Stuck for ideas on outdoor activities? Check out Oakland's best playgrounds or our awesome activity generator
3. Listen to some relaxing music before bed
Stories are great for subliminally saying 'it's bedtime' but playing soothing music when the bedtime routine starts instead of just before bed can really help calm down the whole house and reduce the amount of cortisol your child is producing (this hormone is high during times of activity). Spotify is bursting with playlists and albums that can be used for exactly this. Have a listen.
4. Turn off the TV and any screens at least 2 hours before bedtime
Research has shown that the light from any backlit screen (TV, iPad, computer, phone etc) can interfere with the production of the hormone melatonin. When melatonin levels are at their highest, most people are sleepy and ready for bed - by using a backlit screen you're bringing those hormone levels right down. In fact, just 30 minutes of TV before bed can mess with that enough to keep your child up an extra two whole hours!
5. Employ a security guard
.... well not really. If your child has a bedtime fear, try addressing them instead of simply dismissing them. If this doesn’t work, try buying a toy to stand guard at night or spray the room with “monster spray” before bed (A can of lavender air freshener with a creative new label works well).
Do you have a top tip on bedtime or anything else for that matter? Submit your hack to be included in '100 Hacks for Bay Area Parents' and you could be $100 richer with an Amazon gift card. Submit here.