05/03/2026
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Let's talk about something that often isn't addressed when we enrol our children into care, kinder, or even school.
"The Childcare / Kinder/ School Hangover!:
What can it look like? * It can show itself as your child who normally goes to bed on time wanting to stay up later, or those who sleep the whole night through now having night wakings. Maybe they are coming home irritable or more emotional after care.
Of course our first thoughts as parents are that maybe they aren't happy during the day. The other thing we usually jump to for the under 5s, is the sleep. It's the thing that has often been the cause of uncomfortable conversations and conflict for Early Childhood Educators/ Parents for as long as I have been in the field (1997)...and long before.
Those who nap, those who don't...it doesn't necessarily make a difference, because it's not about the sleep. It's about the brain, development, learning, cortisol and connection.
While our setting is small and cozy, your child is doing some of the hardest "work" of their life every day! Even with just a few friends, navigating a shared space is a massive mental and emotional task for a child.
The "Sharing" Marathon: Children are still developing the ability to share and take turns. Every interaction—deciding who uses the red truck or waiting for a turn on the slide—requires intense brain power and impulse control.
Constant Navigation: Children are always "switched on/ alert," learning to read the body language and emotions of their peers. This social awareness is exhausting, much like an adult starting a high-pressure new job.
Emotional Regulation: Your child is working hard all day to manage big feelings like frustration or excitement. By the time they see you at pick-up, their "emotional cup" is often empty, which is why they might seem extra tired or sensitive. Learning to be independent from Mum or Dad while following a new routine takes a huge amount of emotional resilience. They are "brave" all day, which is wonderful but tiring!
Often children who don't nap at home, will fall asleep within a few minutes of hearing the rest music. Their brain and little body is needing a reset, time to process all the learning.
I know how frustrating it can feel, and I'm going to say what I was told and hated hearing at the time!
Hang in there, it really doesn't last forever. It was only 4yrs for my son 😆. Then just when you think you nailed it...a new stage/ age/ challenge will come along.
I'd worked with children for about 15yrs years before I became a Mum....even still parenthood is the hardest job I've ever had!
Xx
