As much as this hurts to say... back to school is around the corner. For our county, we have less than a month of summer break left, so we are already starting the long to-do list of everything I need to have ready for my kids to start school. My older daughter is starting 2nd grade, and Checo, who has been going to a "Mommy Day Out" program for 2 years now, will be attending preschool 3 times a week this year.
I often get asked this question around this time: how to drop the nap before my kids start preschool?
How to drop the nap before my ids starts pre school?
Even though kids commonly stop napping between 3 and 4 years old, there are still five-year-olds who nap some days (my daughter was like that). It's perfectly normal, and I want to reassure you—they will be fine! ⭐️⭐️⭐️ They might struggle during the first few weeks, but eventually, they will get used to their new routine. Summer is a great time to start gradually.
Here’s how you can help your little one transition smoothly.
Start Gradually
This step is VERY important if your little one is still napping every day. Begin by reducing their naps gradually:
Move from napping every day to every other day.
Progress to napping every two days, then every three days, and so on.
By tapering off naps slowly, you help your child adjust without feeling too overwhelmed.
Allow Occasional Naps
Even as your child gets used to not napping, it’s okay to let them nap once a week, probably during weekends. This gives them a chance to catch up on rest and ensures they aren’t too cranky.
Implement an Earlier Bedtime
With the elimination of naps, your child will likely be more tired at the end of the day. Start putting them to bed earlier. This means you’ll need to start everything earlier:
Dinner
Bathtime
Bedtime routine
An earlier bedtime helps ensure they still get the amount of sleep they need. And no, your baby will not wake up super early; you will just put him down about 30 minutes earlier the night before.
Be Patient
Children coming home from school are often overstimulated and very tired, leading to potential meltdowns—even for five-year-olds. Show lots of patience and understanding during this transition.
Encourage Downtime
Avoid scheduling too many extracurricular activities, especially in the first few weeks. Give your child some downtime when they get home from school to help them unwind and relax.
Soothing Bedtime Routine
Since they’re spending many hours away from you, your little one will need extra cuddles and reassurance. Create a calming bedtime routine that includes:
Quiet activities like reading or storytelling
Gentle music or lullabies
Extra snuggle time
Maintain a Consistent Schedule
Keeping a consistent schedule and routine at night helps your child know what to expect, making the transition smoother. Regularity provides a sense of security and stability, which is crucial for young children adjusting to new routines.
Dropping the nap before starting preschool or kindergarten is a significant milestone for both you and your child. By following these tips, you can help them navigate this change with less stress and more ease.
Remember, patience and consistency are your best friends during this period.
Your child will adjust, and soon, the new routine will feel just as normal as the old one.
Do you have any tips for helping kids drop their naps? Share your experiences in the comments below. Let’s support each other through this exciting transition!
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