It’s almost time to Spring Forward (AKA lose an hour, ) (AKA manage some pretty fussy kids whose schedule always gets messed up with the time change.) But on the bright side, we get more hours of daylight which will be a welcomed change considering all the rainy, dreary days we’ve had.
Losing (and even gaining) an hour can really mess with your schedules, here are a few tips to help make the transition:
Stick to your Routine: When daylight savings time begins or ends, it’s especially important to stick with a bedtime routine, as your child is now dealing with a change in schedule that might throw him off. Your routine can be a powerful signal for sleep. Warm bath, snuggles, reading together, whatever your sleep signals are, make sure to stick to them.
Get Ready for the Change Early... Like now! Ease into the time change by moving bedtime up 15 minutes each night leading up to the time change
Control the Lighting: Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate your body’s internal circadian clock. It increases in the evening as it becomes dark, which helps induce sleep, and shuts down when it’s light out, which can then increase wakefulness and alertness. Daylight savings time can throw this natural cycle off as we’re expecting the kiddos to go to bed while it’s still light out. Start dimming lights and restricting screen time at least 30 minutes prior to bed time. In the mornings, let the sunshine in! Open up those blinds and curtains or turn on the lights to get them expose to as much light as possible.
Be Patient: Keep in mind the extra moodiness and irritability is short lived, being patient and understanding with them (even if you’re irritable too) will help everyone adjust a little better.
