Try out these suggestions to help your children prepare for daylight savings time.
On Sunday, March 11th, it will be time to set your clocks an hour ahead for daylight savings. This time adjustment is enough to make anyone feel a bit groggy and out of sync; however, this shift is even more difficult for young children to adjust to. Luckily, there are things that you can do to help mitigate the effects of the time switch. Try out these tips to help prepare your child for daylight savings time.
Gradually Adjust Bedtimes
It’s not reasonable to simply turn the clocks forward and expect your child to adjust; it takes time to adapt to the loss of sleep. To help the time shift go more smoothly, try gradually shifting your child’s bedtime leading up to the 11th. For instance, if your child normally goes to bed at 8:00 pm, then try moving their bedtime up in fifteen minute intervals. Continue this until they are sleeping as close to 7:00 as possible. By making this gradual adjustment, you can avoid the effects of a jarring time jump on your child’s sleep schedule.
Control the Lights
Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate your body’s circadian clock. This hormone increases when it becomes dark to help induce sleep. However, daylight savings time can throw off the body’s melatonin production as its stay lighted later into the evening. When it’s bright outside, it may be more difficult to coax your child to sleep. To mitigate this issue, try dimming the lights in your child’s room and shutting off all electronics about 30 minutes before bedtime. This will help with the production of melatonin and make your child more inclined to sleep come bedtime.
Be Understanding
In the days following the time change, try to be more forgiving if your child is being particularly moody. Due the lack of sleep and the other bodily stresses that come with the time adjustment, your child might be feeling uncomfortable. However, with patience and support, you can comfort your irritable child and make the transition as painless as possible.
Try out these suggestions to help prepare your child for the time change. We at Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley understand that your child might need additional support as they adjust to daylight saving time. If you are interested in finding a friendly and supporting atmosphere for your child’s enrichment, then contact us. We have a variety of after-school programs to interest your child.