Getting ready for school means more than backpacks and lunchboxes, it’s time to drop the nap, too. Learn why skipping naps (and embracing early bedtimes) can actually help your child sleep better, avoid car-nap chaos, and make evenings calmer for the whole family.

As a parenting coach who’s survived hundreds of toddler bedtime sagas (including my own), I’ve compiled this survival guide for those of you whispering, “Why is bedtime like this?” at 8:47 p.m.

Whether you're battling over pajamas, chasing a naked toddler through the hallway, or fielding existential questions like, “Where does the moon sleep?” — this one's for you.