Question: November 1 is when we set the clocks back 1 hour to end daylight saving time. How can parents make this time change easier on their young children? And is there any advantage to that extra hour gained?--Diana
From KidsHealth:
Most of us would argue that the extra hour of sleep we get this time of year is beneficial. After all, who wouldn’t enjoy an extra 60 minutes of shut-eye? But the truth is, time changes can disrupt sleep schedules, making it harder for kids — especially younger kids — to go to bed at night or wake up on time.
And if your preschooler has ever missed a nap or gone to bed later than normal, you know firsthand what can happen when he or she doesn’t get enough sleep: First comes the crankiness, then the tears.
So, how can you make this time change easer on everyone?
If you want to get a head start, consider letting your kids stay up a little later the Friday and Saturday night before the time change. After the time change, stick to your usual sleep schedules. If naptime was normally at 2 p.m. and bedtime was normally at 8 p.m. before the time change, try to keep it that way. Your kids might get sleepier before their scheduled bedtime (since an 8 p.m. bedtime now feels like an hour later than it did the week before), but resist the urge to put them to bed too early. This will help ensure that they wake up on time.
If you’re having trouble keeping kids awake, keep them active longer into the night. Hold off on “winding-down” routines, like playing soothing music or reading a bedtime story. Instead, opt for more stimulating activities, like playing a game or taking a bath.
Turning the clock back should make it easier for kids to wake up for the alarm in the morning. But if you find that they’re waking up too soon, take advantage of the extra hour together. Take an early morning walk, play a favorite game, or make a special breakfast.
And don’t worry if your child isn’t able to stick to the new bedtime, or seems tired, cranky, or out-of-sorts. It’s normal for all of us — not just kids — to be affected by the time change. Fortunately, most things go back to normal within a couple days after our bodies adjust to the change.
In the meantime, make sure that your kids are getting enough sleep. Preschoolers should get between 10 to 12 hours of sleep, including naps.
Related KidsHealth articles:
Sleep and Preschoolers
All About Sleep
How are your children sleeping this fall? We hit a lovely spot of sleeping through the night, but Henry has recently started having nightmares and ends up in our room, kicking me in the back all night. Ouch!