Daylight Saving Time = Disruption
It is that time again...Daylight Saving Time...spring the clocks ahead one hour this Sunday (March 13). While we gain an extra hour of daylight in the warmer seasons, we do lose that one precious hour of sleep when we adjust our clocks. That adjustment can take days for children to settle into.
Think about how as families you can support your child(ren) about the potential adverse impact this transition may have. It can take as long as three weeks for a child to adjust to the biological and physiological system change.
Here are a few tips:
- Ease into the transition. Start bedtime 15 minutes earlier each night beginning now!
- Naps can be helpful. Create an environment that is conducive to relaxing and resting.
- Enhance physical daily activity. Caution, don't think that heavy exertion will tire your child out right before nap or bedtime. Too much physical activity before a nap or bedtime can be over stimulating and actually have the opposite effect.
- Intentionally set the mood for rest. Help quiet their body and brain down with story time, quiet songs, darkened room, healthy snack, and no electronics.
Families, you may experience more cranky children until they get adjusted to the time change, but supporting them and acknowledging this disruption can help children to navigate Daylight Saving Time.
Post by Steve Zwolak