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Parenting

For free parenting resources please check out the Early Years Alliance's Family Corner.

Why isn't my DD 4 sleeping

6 replies

flumpetto · 23/09/2021 22:45

DD has just started reception and I was told to expect her to be really tired.

She is a bit spent after school and generally wants to come straight home to watch TV and play quietly. She's on great form and we, and her teachers, agree all is going as well as possible. No behavioural issues whatsoever.

But she is falling asleep at 10pm and is really tired in the mornings.

She's always been the first to drop naps, never needed masses of sleep but this is so late.

She has the same bedtime routine as ever - dinner, play, bath, books, lights out. But after lights out she is just full of chat and energy. I lay with her as she falls asleep but she just doesn't fall asleep!

I don't know whether to just accept that she needs less sleep than other kids or what?

I am loathe to force her to the park for exercise or to stop laying with her as I feel she has enough going on with the start of school

But I am worried....

OP posts:
Babyghirl · 24/09/2021 13:36

@flumpetto
Can you get her a nice night light of her choice do the bed time routine bath bed story then try leaving for her to fall asleep on her own if your not there she will have nothing to occupie her in to a conversation.

Self settling is a great thing when growing up and will help make her more confident.

nailsathome · 24/09/2021 13:37

My 3yr old is the same so I have sympathy with you but no words of wisdom I'm afraid!

flumpetto · 24/09/2021 13:38

It's mad isn't it @nailsathome

My family are scandalised at the lateness but short of taking her on a forced march I don't see how I can make her sleep.

@Babyghirl I think she would be a bit fed up to be made to stay in bed alone and would cry. But I'll give it a go.

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TooMinty · 24/09/2021 13:51

Would she lie still and listen to an audiobook by herself?

Babyghirl · 24/09/2021 13:54

@flumpetto
There's no good time to break a routine like lying in bed with her but I said to my sister it will still be hard when 6 and 7 but will be easier the younger they r will take a while but will be great for her in the long run.

Good luck just let her know your not to far away from her.

Amammai · 24/09/2021 21:41

Does she maybe need some more time to talk/reconnect with you after a busy day at school? It’s all so new for her and her mind is probably on overdrive. A bit like if an adult started a new job with all new colleagues and expectations.

I would make lots of time, where possible, to talk and play with her after school. Lots of cuddles, talk about your day, do something fun and energetic together (kitchen disco? Living room obstacle course race? Dance video?) and then discuss with her how she’s like to wind down (a film? Story? Bath?)

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