It’s that time of year again when we turn the clocks back! Daylight saving time wraps up in 2021 on Sunday, November 7th at 2 a.m., meaning we’ll set our clocks back to 1 a.m. and, in theory, enjoy an extra hour of sleep. As a mom with three kids all under the age of seven, I can’t even remember the last time I benefitted from that extra hour.
For parents of teenagers or older kids, getting that extra sleep might feel like a blessing. For those of us with younger ones, however, it can signal the start of a stressful week spent trying to reestablish a regular sleep schedule. The thought of my kids waking up even earlier than their usual ungodly hour is far from appealing. So what’s the deal with Daylight Saving Time and how can we help our babies and kids adjust?
A Brief Overview of Daylight Saving Time in the U.S.
Daylight saving time was first introduced in the United States in 1918, initially lasting for just seven months before being repealed. President Franklin Roosevelt revived the concept during World War II, labeling it “War Time.” In 1966, the Uniform Time Act established a consistent annual time change, which has shifted over the years. The latest adjustment occurred in 2007, moving the start to the second Sunday in March and the end to the first Sunday in November.
So What’s the Purpose?
The idea behind daylight saving time is to align our clocks with daylight hours, promoting energy conservation and reducing traffic accidents. The Department of Transportation claims it helps save energy and lower crime rates. But for many parents, the end of daylight saving time means a challenging transition.
How Can We Prepare Our Children for the Time Change?
Here are several strategies to help ease the transition for your little ones:
- Gradually Adjust Bedtime: Instead of a sudden shift, start moving your child’s bedtime later over the days leading up to the time change. This way, they’ll be in bed an hour later on Saturday night and hopefully sleep in a bit longer on Sunday morning. The night after the change, revert to their regular bedtime.
- Maximize Daylight Exposure: Natural light plays a crucial role in regulating our sleep patterns. If going outside isn’t an option, keep the lights on during the day to simulate sunlight.
- Modify Naptime: If your baby or toddler has a consistent nap schedule, consider waking them up earlier to help them wind down for bedtime sooner.
- Encourage Physical Activity: Ensure your kids get plenty of exercise on Saturday to tire them out. Just be careful to finish the activities early enough so they’re not overstimulated come bedtime.
- Limit Evening Stimulation: Turn off screens, reduce sugar intake, and promote a quieter environment in the hours before sleep. This can help signal to your kids that it’s time to wind down.
- Hide the Clocks (Just Kidding): While it may be tempting, most kids will likely notice the time and remind you that it’s not bedtime yet.
Interestingly, states like Arizona and Hawaii, along with some U.S. territories, don’t observe daylight saving time at all. If all else fails, you could always consider relocating to a place where it isn’t an issue!
For more tips on parenting and preparing for changes, check out this blog post or learn from experts at Intracervical Insemination for additional insights. For those interested in fertility topics, Cleveland Clinic’s podcast is also a fantastic resource.
Summary
As daylight saving time comes to an end, preparing your little ones can make the transition smoother. Gradually adjusting bedtimes, maximizing daylight exposure, tweaking nap schedules, encouraging physical activity, and reducing evening stimulation can all help ease the shift.