Should toddlers have a bedtime? 
​Toddlers (ages 1 to 5) sleep about 12 to 14 hours a day (including naps), but without a solid sleep plan, half of them will wake up in the middle of the night. That’s why having a toddler bedtime not only reduces tuck-in troubles, it can also help the whole family catch more ZZZs. Not to mention, routines are incredibly comforting to toddlers. So pick a bedtime that works for your toddler, and try to stick to it!

What time should a toddler go to bed?
For most tots, lights-out is around 9pm (give or take 30 minutes), but pushing it later—or trying to force it earlier—may lead to more middle-of-the- night waking! I’ve found the sweet spot tends to be around 8 to 8:30pm, but every child is different. 

When is a toddler bedtime too early?
For most toddlers, it’s too much to ask for them to snooze straight through from 7pm till 7am. It’s just more sleep than they need. Signs that your bedtime may be too early include: 

Bedtime Books For Kids
​As an early reader book, Green Bean’s Bedtime is ideal for older children to read independently, or to cuddle up close and read with parents at bedtime. Having won awards as one of the best bedtime books for toddlers, this will make a great gift for children by itself, or as part of the complete collection in our paperback books box set. Suitable for children from 18 months to 7 years old.

Green Bean Books™ online bookshop for children’s Green Bean Books™ authored by Anita Frost and published by Green Bean Studios® who share values of living sustainably, nurturing the environment, and supporting children to play, learn and go on fun adventures.

3. Starting School - Janet and Allan Ahlberg
British couple Janet and Allan Ahlberg are synonymous with great children’s books. Their lovable picture books have repeatedly been featured at the top of ‘most popular’ lists for libraries, and are a firm favourite with children and parents alike.

This timeless picture book is both informative and humorous, reassuring children who are nervous about going to school by teaching them what to expect from their first few weeks at school.

4. Meesha Makes Friends - Thomas Percival
Thomas Percival is a much sought-after children’s author and illustrator, having written and illustrated for big names including Harper Collins, Simon & Schuster and Bloomsbury. This book follows Meesha, a girl who struggles to make friends, but is able to overcome this obstacle and navigate social situations with confidence by using her special talent.

This story is a great way to help children cope with difficult situations and emotions, encouraging them to explore their feelings and find their place in the world around them. It is an empowering book which promotes positive mental health and wellbeing for young children.

Big changes, such as starting school, may seem scary for some children, but by sharing some fun and engaging stories with them you can help to reassure them, face any fears they are feeling, and build their confidence for a great start to their school life. ​

Make time for fun activities.
Don’t forget to schedule some fun activities into your children’s schedule. This could be playing outside, going to the park, or reading a book together. Fun activities can help relieve stress and make the school year more enjoyable.

Be aware though that some children need time when they first get home from school as they may be very tired, and if they are introverted they might need some time alone to decompress after the day. Try to figure out a programme of homework, rest and play that works well for your individual children’s needs.

Be positive and supportive.
Back to school can be a time of change and adjustment for children. Be patient and understanding, and offer your children your support. Let them know that you are there for them and that you believe in them. It may seem like nothing to you that they are in the classroom next door with a different teacher, but there could be many things within that set up that may worry your child.