Bedtime Routines

Now is a good time to establish an appropriate bedtime routine for your child that will support them ready for strting school.

Typical sleep at this age

Between ages 2 and 4, kids need about 10 to 14 hours of sleep per day.  Most children this age go to bed between 7:30 and 9 p.m. and wake up between 6:30 and 8 a.m.

What you can do to help your child establish good sleep habits
If your preschooler has trouble falling asleep or wakes up frequently (and even if he doesn't), these techniques will help him get a better night's rest:

• Pick – and stick to – a set bedtime. Make sure it allows your child to get the full amount of sleep they need. Bedtime might need to be 7:30 or 8 p.m. in order for them get enough sleep. A regular bedtime helps their internal clock stay on track and makes it easier to fall asleep easily and quickly. Staying up too late or going to bed at a different time each night can make your preschooler overtired – which, paradoxically, makes it harder for them to settle down and get to sleep.
• Develop a consistent bedtime routine. Establish a nightly routine that includes three or four soothing activities, such as taking a bath, changing into pjyamas, and reading stories. The bedtime ritual should be the same every night, so your child can anticipate each activity.

If your child tends to stall when getting ready for bed, make a preferred activity (such as reading a favorite book or singing a special song) the last thing on the agenda before lights out.  If you find your routine dragging on longer than it should, take steps to trim it back: A couple of stories are fine, but not chapter after chapter of her favorite book.

Also steer the routine in one direction – to bed. If you bring your child upstairs for a bath, for instance, don't bring her back downstairs to say goodnight to the family pet when she's done. Instead, head to the bedroom for pajamas and storytime.

Move them into a big bed and praise her for staying in it. 
Once they're using their big bed, be sure to praise your preschooler when they stays in it at bedtime and overnight.
If your preschooler starts getting up more often once they graduate to a big bed, tuck them back in and say goodnight.

Give him an extra goodnight kiss or tuck-in. It's okay to promise your child one more goodnight kiss after you've tucked them in the first time. Tell them you'll be back to check on them in a few minutes. Chances are, they will be fast asleep by the time you return.

Potential pitfalls

It's normal for children to make good progress with better sleep routines and then seem to regress. Be patient and, most importantly, consistent. Stick to your plan and focus on the big picture to ride out temporary setbacks.

It's common for kids this age to drag their feet and find a million excuses why they can't go to bed yet. Try to prevent problems by anticipating and managing your child's bedtime requests beforehand. And remember that realistically, most preschoolers don't run happily to bed every night, so be prepared for a few struggles.

Bedtime Stories

Reading is one of the most important communication tools that we have available to us and is fundamental in establishing essential pathways in the brain in early learners.
Not only does it further basic speech and reading skills but it has been shown to promote better communication skills which are essential at any stage in your child’s life, whether this is making friends in the playground or reading aloud in class.
Through continuing with a story on a daily basis, bedtime reading with your child can have a fantastic effect on enhancing your child’s attention span. In this way they can concentrate for longer in school, bettering their education overall. Following a story can also improve their use of logic, as they think of ways in which their favourite characters can overcome the obstacles that are facing them.