7 Reasons Your Preschooler Won’t Go to Bed

Usually, I talk well-nigh helping babies and toddlers sleep.

But then I got this this message: “What do I do if my preschooler won’t go to bed?” It was signed, “Embarrassed Mom.” (And yes, that tugged at my heart strings a little.)

Actually, I’ve had several clients who came to me considering they had tried to get their toddlers to sleep, then just gave up when their youngster had severe temper tantrums. Some parents plane expressed worries well-nigh lightweight pre-K work and signs of uneasiness in their preschooler.

So this wasn’t entirely new ground for me.

Here’s the gist of what I told this worried mom:

Yes, all the books and sites will say a victual should sleep through the night by two months. But I’ll moreover tell you what these sites won’t say: a surprising value of preschoolers struggle with sleep In fact, there are thousands of families dealing with this concern.

That’s why I decided to go vastitude my usual wheelhouse to talk well-nigh young children rather than babies.

Here’s why bad sleep happens to preschoolers, the dangers of not getting unbearable sleep, and 7 things you can do.

**Why Your Child Needs Unobjectionable Sleep**

I’ve been there as a parent, worrying well-nigh my daughter’s wellbeing. So please know that my goal is not to worry you.

But it’s important to know that lack of unobjectionable sleep can lead to problems for your child. (And you. You need your rest, too.)

What the Experts Have to Say

According to the CDC, 41% of children who don’t sleep through the night, or who don’t get unbearable hours of sleep, can go on to develop chronic sleep disorders.

The CDC says children who have this ongoing issue can go on to develop anxiety, depression, or may have cognition and sustentation issues.

And let’s be real. The tension this situation causes in the family isn’t much fun. Over time, your child’s inability to sleep healthfully can make you all cranky and concerned.

Preschooler Won’t Go to Bed: 7 Scenarios

Here are 7 reasons your older child or your toddler may not be getting a full night’s sleep:

#1 Bedtime is Inconsistent

Your little one may have talked her way into staying up later a time or two. Or maybe you’re tired of the struggle, and you let her sleep where and when she drops. (NO judgement, nighttime crying is awful!)

Infants and children sleep largest when they have a resulting routine. Try starting with the 3 B’s: bath, book, bed. Remember: consistency is key.

#2 Your Child is Afraid of Stuff Alone

This can happen for a number of reasons, but the main two are:

Your little one has never had to sleep without you holding her or stuff in the same room you are
Your child had a scare at some point
Your child has a naturally yellow-eyed temperament

Your child is a bit older and can understand explanations increasingly completely than when she was an infant. So sleep training can involve increasingly of an explanation. Just don’t make a habit of answering the same questions over and over, or it may wilt a subconscious tool for her to get to stay up.

If your child has had a scare she never overcame, or if she wakes up screaming from nightmares, my suggestion is to see your child’s pediatrician for advice.

#3 Your Child is Afraid of the Dark

Preschoolers can develop a fear of the visionless plane if they’ve been well-appointed with it before.

At this stage, your child is thinking in variegated ways, including imaging all sorts of “monsters” in her little world.

A dim nightlight with your child’s favorite character, or leaving the door slightly ajar, can help.

#4 Something in Your Child’s Life Has Changed

Children handle household changes in variegated ways. However, just like you, some changes can disrupt your child’s sleep.

A house move, a new daycare or babysitter, divorce/separation, a new baby, or the death of a family member can all impact your child.

Your weightier bet is to alimony your child’s bedtime routine, but be sure to show your child plenty of love in the meantime. You’re one thing in her life that won’t change.

#5 They Think All the “Fun” is Happening Without Them

I’ll bet you remember this yourself: a party is happening downstairs, but it’s time for little ones to sleep. Or an heady movie is playing without the child is put to bed.

Keep things as wearisome as possible without your child’s bedtime. Alimony the TV or streaming on low volume and wordplay your child in a sleepy, unstimulating voice if she calls out for you. She’ll see she’s not missing out on all that much.

#6 Staying Up Has Wilt a Habit

At a unrepealable point, your child might not be responding to a slipperiness at all. Instead, staying up late or getting out of bed repeatedly may have wilt a habit.

In this case, tell your child you’re all going to make new sleeping habits. Tell her Mommy and Daddy are going to bed soon, but first, she can have her bath, typesetting and bed. She will resist at first, but eventually, these changes will wilt routine.

#7: Your Child is Overtired

Believe it or not, there’s science-backed truth to this popular saying. In order for a child (or an adult!) to stay up well past tiredness, the soul chemistry needs to alter. This can result in what is tabbed wrenched sleep, which is not restful unbearable for your baby.

This miracle can moreover midpoint your body’s “stay awake!” physiology runs in overdrive, making it harder for them to sleep. Ask your child’s pediatrician what to do.

Out of Ideas? Contact me!

I’ve worked with thousands of families for largest sleep and largest health. If your preschooler won’t go to bed, the issue can impact the unshortened family. I can help you to encourage your child when on the right track to a good night’s rest, every night.