Tired after nursery

[kattyo]

Not sure if this is the right place to post this.

I have twin girls, close to four. They were at nursery two full days a week from September to January and seemed to like it fine. they were tired but not exhausted. I have now changed to 9.30 to 3.00 three days a week and while one of them is ok with this and hops around afterwards, the other is completely shattered at the end of each day and for the two days following. We can't do any of the things we used to do as she is tired, and tantrum prone.

I thought she was simply adjusting to the
longer school day (and intend to cut back to two again). But several other peple have suggested that such a big flag in energy indicates there might be something wrong with her health. She has no reserves - she goes for it and then flags completely, droops against me with her eyes closed. her sister just motors happily on with an even supply of energy.

Any suggestions?

First I'd ask your nursery practitioners what the girls are like during their days at nursery and keep a watchful eye on your tired lo's general wellbeing. Maybe she finds fitting into games harder or just misses being at home more.

Being away from Mummy and home is still hard at 4, I run a Kindergarten, I think it's difficult for the children with me, though they all sleep during the afternoon for 1 1/2 - 2 hours.

If you are at all worried that your LO could be ill, listen to your instincts and seek advice from your GP.

Hope some of this helps

Thanks wabbit. My mum can't believe that children over three in the nurseries near me don't get a rest in the afternoon. I remember being forced to lie down on a cot bed for an hour every afternoon until i was five...

Oh poor you being forced! My ds is 5 and he still has a sleep in the afternoon, dd now 19 did the same until she went to school tell your mum she's Sooooo right!

DS is 3, and pre school doesn't do naps. It's good for him otherwise he'd get to 5 and expect to be able to sleep at school. There is a quiet corner where the can look at books and it's safe if they fall asleep.

I do remember going to nursery though, and at 4yo there were nap beds for those who wanted too. (I'm 32)

I think many 3 year olds are still in need of a rest in the afternoon, the children at my setting are very physically active and we walk across a farm and through the woods many mornings, it's an early start too and most have some way to come before they get to the Kindergarten so I guess it's not a typical situation.

I don't think I've come across a pre-school full day setting that does not accommodate for the rest needs of the children though, is it because they have a sessional day and your LO's have a supervised lunch between the two sessions?

hey ho... think I need sleep now anyhow!

I think it's perfectly normal for them to be tired after pre school at that age and just because they're twins and the other one isn't - doesn't mean anything is wrong, they could just be very different... on the other hand, if it's still a problem for the next couple of days I'd be concerned enough to go to the GP and get some blood tests etc done - better safe than sorry.