On Sunday at 2 am those of us in places that observe Daylight Savings Time will set our clocks forward by an hour.
That groggy, “I really don’t want to get out of bed” feeling lingers for days and can make any already sleep-deprived parent feel exhausted.
But the loss of sleep can be even tougher on your kids. Young children need more sleep and don’t tolerate sleep deprivation as well as adults.
The good news? We can take baby steps now to prepare.
GIT Tip #1
Gradually shift bedtime
Don’t just set the clock forward an hour one night and expect your child to get right back in sync; it takes some time to adapt to that loss of sleep. To help adjust, start gradually shifting your kid’s bedtime later in preparation for Daylight Savings Time.
So, if your child goes to bed at 8 pm, four days before the time change, the next night put him to bed at 8:15 pm, then 8:30 pm, and so on until he’s going to bed as close to 9 pm on the evening of fall back. I know you’re reading this right now thinking WTF – 9 pm!!?? If he’s still sleeping in the morning, wake him up 15 minutes later than his usual start time.
Doing this step-by-step is not as much of a shock to the system as it is when you abruptly expect your child to fall asleep an hour earlier after the time change. Plus, you’re not wrangling a sleeping child out of bed to make it to school on time.
GIT Tip #2
Stick with a routine
When Daylight Savings Time 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.
For young children, it’s absolutely critical that they have a routine during bedtime.
GIT Tip #3
Get Enough Sleep NOW
In the days before you change your clocks, make sure your child is getting plenty of shut-eye. Sleep makes sleep. Going into Daylight Savings Time well-rested will greatly help your child because he won’t be cranky and overtired, which can make falling asleep even harder.
GIT Tip #4
Be sympathetic
In the days following Daylight Savings Time, try to be more forgiving if your child is throwing extra temper tantrums and seems to be particularly frustrated or difficult in any way. The time change can cause such short-term changes in your child’s mood, but your understanding and support will help him or her adjust a little better.
Start this today!
Love, Eirene
P.S. Have you grabbed your copy of my book yet? Being a GIT Mom is a mindset and this book is your manual. Grab your copy on Amazon.
Do you know someone who could use these #GITMom tips? Please share!
