How to Teach Bedtime Concepts to Preschoolers
Bedtime can be difficult for preschool-aged children to understand and accept, perhaps because of their exploration of power and control, the realization that they might miss something or a fear of the dark. Preschoolers are less dependent than toddlers on their parents, and they are much more aware of their surroundings. Children develop their personalities during the preschool-age years, which means their imagination and need for power and control are intense. Because of these and many other factors, it is important that preschool-aged children learn and understand the importance and concepts of bedtime.
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Instructions
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Teach preschool-aged children the concept of when it is time to go to bed by using a digital clock. Use the clock to teach them what time they need to start getting ready for bed each night. Instead of using minutes to remind children how much longer they have, tell them a specific time that they need to be done by so they can look at the clock and see for themselves how much time remains before bedtime. Doing this consistently also helps preschool-aged children feel a sense of security and control when preparing for bedtime.
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Reading serves more than one purpose. Repeat the same activities each night to teach preschool-aged children to prepare for bedtime. When they know which activity is next, they feel secure and will not fear bedtime as much as otherwise. Starting the bedtime routine with a bath is a way to calm down children after a day full of events. Reading books is another way to help the children relax before bedtime and enjoy one-on-one time with their parent or parents.
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Having a stuffed animal close is comforting. Encourage your preschoolers to sleep with their favorite toy or stuffed animal to alleviate fear during bedtime. Because many preschool-aged children have a sense of fear, it is important to help them feel safe when they are alone in bed.
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A nightlight can provide a sense of comfort. Allow preschool-aged children to sleep with a nightlight in their room if they are afraid of the dark. Doing so helps to teach them the concept of sleeping in near darkness.
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Tips & Warnings
One of the greatest challenges of teaching preschool-aged children the concepts of bedtime is establishing and consistently using a bedtime routine. It is important to have structure, but also allow children to have flexibility and choice. Letting them choose which pajamas they want to wear or which book they want to read allows them to feel some freedom and sense of control while still sticking to a bedtime routine.
References
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