How many times have we struggled to get our children to go to bed early? Most parents face this challenge, as children often want to stay awake even after we tell them it is bedtime.

That is why, in this article, we are sharing practical tips to help your child sleep earlier — all based on the Montessori method.

Remember that at Central Montessori Schools (CMS), we have a team of specialists dedicated to helping children explore their abilities and grow into responsible, respectful, and self-aware individuals.

How Can Children Learn to Sleep Early Using the Montessori Method?

First, it is important to understand that the Montessori method encourages children to develop their skills at their own pace, without pressure. Mistakes are seen as part of the learning process, not something to be punished. When it comes to bedtime, children gradually learn that going to sleep early is part of a healthy daily routine — without being punished if they do not accomplish it one day.

Thanks to the sense of freedom the Montessori approach provides, children’s sleep can become more peaceful and restorative. This is very different from children who fall asleep after being yelled at or scolded, which often leads to resistance and anxiety.

To help your child associate bedtime with calm and positivity, here are some tips for parents:

Be Kind but Firm

Parents often become so anxious for their children to fall asleep that they begin yelling or scolding them, forcing them to go to bed. This creates a negative association with sleep. Instead, speak calmly but firmly, and help your child understand that it is time to rest.

Establish Routines

Routines are a key part of the Montessori philosophy. Having a predictable bedtime routine helps children feel safe and mentally prepare for sleep. For example: bath, pajamas, story, bed. This pattern helps them feel secure and builds healthy sleep habits.

You can also include a special bedtime activity or game to make them look forward to bedtime, but be careful not to overstimulate them. The goal is to encourage early sleep, not delay it.

Avoid Screens at Least One Hour Before Bedtime

Although María Montessori developed her method before smartphones existed, many experts believe she would agree that screens are not appropriate for young children. This aligns with the Montessori emphasis on staying grounded in reality during early childhood.

Screen time disrupts sleep because the blue light from televisions, tablets, and phones interferes with the body’s production of melatonin, the hormone that helps us sleep. Instead, choose calming activities such as reading or drawing.

Avoid Heavy Meals

María Montessori encouraged children to participate in household tasks. You can invite your child to help prepare a light dinner, which involves them in mealtime and helps avoid eating heavy foods too close to bedtime.

Ideally, dinner should be served at least one hour before bed.

Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment

A Montessori bedroom is designed to foster independence and comfort. To support sleep, consider adding:

• Soft or dim lighting
• A comfortable room temperature (neither too cold nor too hot)
• Minimal noise or relaxing sounds (such as white noise or soft music)

Avoid High-Energy Activities Before Bed

Stimulating activities can make it harder for children to wind down. Instead, choose calm games, puzzles, or reading.

Be Consistent with Bedtime

Try to have your child go to bed and wake up at the same time every day — even on weekends. This consistency helps regulate their internal clock.

Offer Reassurance if Needed

If your child feels anxious or afraid, stay with them briefly, offer comforting words, and help them feel safe — but avoid drawing out the moment too long.

Avoid Long or Late Naps

If your child still takes naps, make sure the nap is not too long or too late in the day, so it does not interfere with nighttime sleep.

The Montessori method is a wonderful tool to help children become more independent and self-sufficient, both in childhood and later in life. Applying these tips can help your child sleep better and at a healthy hour, supporting their overall development.

Do not forget that at Central Montessori Schools, we offer an engaging and supportive program that nurtures each child’s potential in a carefully prepared environment.