At Preschool Readers, we know there are a variety of factors that affect a child’s learning process. As a way to remain up to date and informed on best practices, we have an Expert Interviews series. In this series, we interview experts who provide tips/tricks and suggestions for parents of preschoolers. We hope you enjoy our interview with Shari Mezrah, Family Sleep and Schedule Specialist and Author of The Baby Sleeps Tonight: Your Infant Sleeping Through the Night by 9 Weeks (Yes, Really!).

Name & Job Title: Shari Mezrah, The Sleep Mom (BabyTIME, LLC)

What Services Do You Provide and Whom Do You Serve: I am a Family Sleep and Schedule Specialist. I work with Expectant Parents and Parents of toddlers and elementary school-age children helping them to get their children on schedule, and independently sleeping through the night. In addition to schedules for feedings, naps, and wake times, I provide successful techniques for soothing and stimulating, making transitions, and mapping out plans for caregivers, among many other challenges parents face. I have a private practice in Tampa where I meet with my clients or also do phone sessions with out-of-town clients. I meet only with the parents and work through the sleep and schedule challenges.

Should Preschoolers Take Naps: Every preschooler should have a designated rest time in the afternoon. When your preschooler reaches around 4-5 years old, they will be losing the nap…but rest time is always a good choice.

What Can Parents Do When Their Preschooler Does Not Want To Go To Bed? Should Parents Implement a Bedtime Routine: Yes!!!! Wind down time is very important. Approximately one hour before bedtime, limit activity and also create special family time. Never tell a pre-schooler to “go to bed”. It sounds like a command and can cause anxiety in children. Soften the situation by saying it’s “rest, rest time” and not making it a big deal.

How Many Hours Of Sleep Should a Preschooler Get: Keep in mind that every child is different. However, here is how sleep breaks down according to age.

• 11 to 14 hours including naps for children aged 1- to 2 years.
• 10 to 13 hours including naps for children aged 3 to 5 years.

What Books Do You Recommend:

• The Bear Hunt
• Eric Carle’s Books
• Any counting or word books that have repetition and word recall and visual imagery.

Preschool Readers Additional Book Recommendations…

• The Going To Bed Book
• Time For Bed
• Bedtime For Frances
• Good Night Yoga: A Pose-by-Pose Bedtime Story
• Pete the Cat and the Bedtime Blues
• Good Night, Little Blue Truck
• I Am Not Sleepy!: A bedtime book story for toddlers, preschoolers, and young children
• Bedtime (Toddler Tools)
• How Do You Say Good Night?

You Wrote a Book Called, The Baby Sleeps Tonight: Your Infant Sleeping Through the Night by 9 Weeks (Yes, Really!). Can You Tell Me a Little About It And Share Where Parents Can Get A Copy: The Baby Sleeps Tonight teaches anyone, no matter how sleep-deprived, how to create order and predictable happiness by getting baby to sleep through the night. I help parents regain control over their lives by guiding them from pre-birth through the toddler years with a plan to ensure that the whole family sleeps through the night. You can find the book at any bookstore or through Amazon.

How Does a Preschooler’s Sleep Affect Their Learning Process: Sleep is one of our body’s most important functions. Regular high-quality sleep has wonderful effects on overall health and well-being. Sleep will also affect brain growth and strengthen the immune system.

And Just For Fun…What Is One Word You Would Use To Describe Yourself As A Preschooler: Spirited!!!

How Can Parents Connect With You:
Phone: (813)760-1111
Email: smezrah@aol.com
Website: sharimezrah.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Baby-Sleeps-Tonight-by-Shari-Mezrah/302966172552

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