Advice on winding-down activities for preschoolers before bed?

[EuanlovesDuplo]

Hi all,

I understand a lot of parents often struggle with winding their preschool kids (2 - 5 years old-ish) down before bedtime, would anyone be able to to share any advice or guidance on this? Any toy or activity recommendations that you would feel happy to share?

Apologies if this has been covered already, but I understand there is a lot of information already around toddlers but less so around slightly older children who might have electronic devices or need sleep to coincide with nursery or school the next day.

Thank you so much! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

My 3 year old is usually wired after a bath, always has been so we have about 45 mins after bath before bed to try and wind down. Now she’s in preschool she’s even more over excited in the evening but I’m trying to end the evening with 3 books of her choice which is helping to get her to sit still, and give in to the tired. Then it’s upstairs for teeth and bed. She loves a routine though so that helps as she knows what to expect.

@Mycuppatea

My 3 year old is usually wired after a bath, always has been so we have about 45 mins after bath before bed to try and wind down. Now she’s in preschool she’s even more over excited in the evening but I’m trying to end the evening with 3 books of her choice which is helping to get her to sit still, and give in to the tired. Then it’s upstairs for teeth and bed. She loves a routine though so that helps as she knows what to expect.

Thank you @Mycuppatea ! That's really interesting, I assumed bathtime would relax most children but it's interesting that you would say otherwise. The advice on a routine is very useful, thank you

Sometimes I do bath, bit of tv in our bed (only tv upstairs is in our bedroom), warm milk with a story and lights out. Putting dolls house to bed or srawing is a nice calming activity if they’re particularly wired!

Drawing I mean

Did 2 also wired after bath.

Dh a farmer so long hours and comes in at some point during tea onwards. If she hasn't seen him that day it makes it all the harder.

My routine is
Tea 530
Bath 6
Play wildly
Milk 645
Cuddle and DVD for fifteen
Bed.

Did 3yrs old
Dinner 5pm
Bath or shower 6pm
Followed by me reading her a few books whilst she has some warm milk, then she gets 15-30mins of a CBeebies show.
Teeth, loo, bed by 7/7.30. I think routine and consistency is key irrespective of what that entails