How do you deal with an over tired pre-k child?

meghans30

My son only goes to half day pre-k. He has ALWAYS been an early riser (6-6:30 am). He goes to bed between 7:30 and 8. He also has some special needs. I've really noticed that his hyperactivity and irritability increase by 4 when he is saying, "I'm tired." If he naps he isn't asleep until 9:30! How do you deal with these issues? DO you 4-5 yo's nap? I am not looking forward to next year when he goes to full day Kindergarten. It'll be almost impossible to get him involved in any activities because he is so tired.

omurray

When my son is overtired and/or unruly etc., I find that it helps to get him engaged in some type of quiet activity that he can focus on and will keep his interest .  Examples would be play doh, cutting with scissors, coloring, stringing cheerios on pipe cleaners, reading books, listening to audio books, transfering items from one container to another using tongs.

JenniC1135

Have you tried putting him to bed even earlier, like 6:45 or 7?  Granted my twins are a year younger, but when they stopped napping, we had to move bedtime way up and they now sleep from 6:45 or 7 to somewhere between 7 and 8 most nights.

meghans30

JenniC1135:

Have you tried putting him to bed even earlier, like 6:45 or 7?  Granted my twins are a year younger, but when they stopped napping, we had to move bedtime way up and they now sleep from 6:45 or 7 to somewhere between 7 and 8 most nights.

Something to think about. I want to make sure he is getting enough sleep because the effects his behavior both at home and school. 

 

 

DandelionMom

Honestly, I let her veg in front of the tv.  Around 5 is when J (my 5 y/o with special needs) starts to get tired.  So I save her tv time until then.  She doesn't need it every day but I can tell when she needs it. 

shouldbworkin

Same thing here.  DS has a witching hour (still!) b/c he doesn't nap, can't really nap b/c he's up to late, but is tired in the afternoon.  I just try to either give him some quiet time in his room with his Leapster (so he doesn't fall asleep) or I encourage him to lay down on the couch and watch one of his shows.