what do you believe is a good bed time for a 4 year old?

Question

I put her to bed at 8 pm since she wakes up at 6am monday thru friday but my friends always say i make her go to early. I dont think i do, how about you?

Answer 1

8pm is pefect for a 4 year old who has to wake up at 6am. I would recommend around 7 - 7:30pm though since you've been doing this for a while, I would just stick with it because your child is probably use to that time.

Answer 2

8 is definately not too early. My guys were in bed by 7 at that age. They are now 10 (in bed by 9 on school nights and 10 on weekends), 9 ( 8:30/9:30), and almost 8 ( 8:00/9:00). Not only do children need more sleep than adults but it also gives the parents some quiet time in the evening. I couldn't always afford a sitter (and still can't) so it worked out perfect because all parents need to rejuvenate occasionallly.
Also, a little medical advise:
3-6 Years Old: 10 ¾ - 12 hours per day

Children at this age typically go to bed around 7 - 9 p.m. and wake up at about 6 - 8 a.m., just as they did when they were younger. At 3, most children are still napping, while at 5 most are not. Naps gradually become shorter as well. New sleep problems do not usually develop after 3 years of age.


You are impressed and exasperated at how well your child has developed bedtime stalling tactics, and at how easily you may be manipulated -- "I need to go to the bathroom (again). I need a glass of water; I am so thirsty. Wait, I love you (for the fourth time)."

As always, you must be sensitive to your child's sleep needs and aware of how well rested she is. Nursery school, preschool, playgroups and the like may wind up eliminating naptime. This may or may not be problematic. If, by altering her nighttime sleep schedule, by going to bed earlier and/or sleeping later, she is well rested, then you're OK. But don't eliminate naps if she is not ready. Both you and she will pay the price if you do; major problems can occur.

Sleep, among other factors, influences your child's temperament. Poor sleep (too little and/or poor quality) is associated with behavior problems like aggression, defiance, non-compliance, oppositional behavior, acting out, and hyperactivity. The inability to put herself back to sleep unassisted and irregular bedtimes are also associated with behavior problems. It is clear, then, that the proper amount and quality of sleep are very important for your child's development.

Answer 3

Does she nap? If so, I would cut naps out if possible. 8pm seems a reasonable bedtime to me, but 6am is EARLY! Would she be willing to wake up at 6am, and come into bed with you to snuggle for another hour until 7am? Or she could have a small snack in her room (that you put there the night before - nothing messy - just dried cereal or something like that) and she could eat the snack and read books quietly until the clock says 7:00.

(To teach her to tell time, just put a little card above a digital clock that says 7:00 so she can see what it looks like and tell her that when the numbers on the clock look like that, that she can come into your room and wake you.)

Answer 4

9

Answer 5

my 3 and 4 year old boys got to bed at 9 pm and wake up about 8 am try it

Answer 6

dont listen to the idiots that said 5pm that is ridiculous! she will be up by 2 in the morning if you put her down that early! I think you are correct with the time you put her down at, of course if she is taking a nap during the day, maybe even 8:30.. Of course every child is different, find a time that works good for you and your daughter. If she is wired at night maybe cut out the after noon nap, or if she is sluggish by dinner time give her a nap and then put her down at 8 or 830.. depends on the child really

Answer 7

8 is a very good time. I always have my boys relaxed an hour or so before bed and I do not allow any sweets of any kind after 6. At about half an hour until bed time, I tell them to brush their teeth, put on their night clothes, and tell them to start getting ready for bed. The key to happy kids and parents is Consistency.

Answer 8

No way, 8 is a perfect time for a 4 year old who has to get up at 6. Dont listen to your friends or anyone on here either, if you want her to go to bed at 8, then thats your decision, not anyone on here.

Answer 9

Both my 6 year old and 2 year old go to bed at 8- 8:30 p.m.
They are much more rested in the mornings!!

Answer 10

no, that's not too early for a young child.

i have a 4 1/2 and 6 year old who i get up at 7:00 in the morning......they go to bed at 9:00 pm so you and i appear to be on the same page as far as the number of hours our kids sleep.

if anything, i'd like to get them to bed an hour earlier!!!!