Longer daylight hours, exciting summer plans, and looser routines can make bedtime feel like a moving target, especially for toddlers and preschoolers. If you’re noticing later bedtimes, more resistance, or disrupted naps, you’re not alone. For families near the Weller Road location in Silver Spring, MD, reestablishing healthy sleep habits during the summer can help children stay rested, regulated, and ready for learning.
More sunlight in the evenings, unpredictable schedules, and increased stimulation during the day can make it harder for young children to wind down. Late dinners, impromptu outings, and skipped naps can also throw off internal clocks. Even kids who were great sleepers during the school year may struggle when summer arrives.
Understanding that sleep disruption is common during this season helps parents respond with flexibility and strategies that gently guide kids back into a routine.
Sticking to a general bedtime, even if it’s slightly later than in the school year can make a big difference. Build in a predictable evening routine: dinner, bath, books, and lights out around the same time each night. Keep the bedroom dark and quiet, using blackout curtains or a sound machine if needed.
Try creating a visual schedule your child can follow to anticipate what’s next. Giving toddlers a sense of ownership (“Let’s check what comes after bath!”) supports independence and reduces resistance.
If your child is still napping, it’s best to keep nap times consistent; even if bedtime shifts slightly during the summer. Skipping naps entirely can lead to overtiredness, which often makes it harder to fall asleep at night. If your preschooler is transitioning out of naps, offer quiet time in the afternoon with books, soft music, or puzzles.
Watch for signs of tiredness like crankiness, clumsiness, or hyperactivity in the late afternoon, and adjust rest times accordingly.
With all the running, swimming, and outdoor play, it’s easy for kids to feel overstimulated. Create a calming wind-down ritual in the evening that helps signal that the day is coming to a close.
These consistent cues help regulate the body and mind, preparing your child for restful sleep.
Want to build mindfulness into your child’s day? Check out:
→The Importance of Sensory Play for Preschoolers
Keep bedtime positive and low-pressure. Avoid using bedtime as a consequence, and instead focus on making it something your child can look forward to. You might say, “After your bath, we’ll snuggle and read your favorite book.”
If your child asks for “one more” story or glass of water, set gentle but firm boundaries. Using a visual timer or offering a small choice (“Do you want the teddy bear or the bunny tonight?”) can give children a sense of control without delaying sleep.
Keep the Routine Going
A restful summer doesn’t mean giving up on routine. Even if bedtimes shift a little, keeping a predictable structure helps children feel safe and well-regulated.
Looking for more ways to support your child’s development during summer? Explore these helpful blog posts:
A good night’s sleep lays the foundation for joyful mornings, calmer days, and healthy growth; even in the busiest summer months.
MCCA has been recognized by the Maryland State Legislature for its commitment to Montgomery County issued a quality programs and special needs child care Proclamation in 2016 to MCCA for its commitment to Montgomery County child care for more than 50 years. MCCA was also selected as a 2018 nonprofit finalist for a MOXIE Award for boldness and innovation
MCCA is the oldest nonprofit licensed child care provider in Montgomery County and started its work in 1968 as a Community Action Project of the War on Poverty. Recognizing the need for quality child care programs in their neighborhoods, a group of local activists formed an association to establish centers in Montgomery County that would serve a diverse population and establish high standards for child care. Now, more than 50 years later, MCCA’s dedicated and expertly trained staff continue their tradition of providing high quality child care and play-based education for children.
Families with school aged children who can afford their child care expenses during the school year often struggle to afford the all-day programs they need when school is out for the summer. The Richard Krampf Summer Adventures Scholarship Fund was established to help provide children a safe and stimulating place to spend their weeks when school is out. Please contact an MCCA Director for details on how to apply.
