Alright mamas, it’s almost that time again…
While I wish I was talking about the joys of springtime, before we’re blessed with that glorious sunshine, we have to undergo the inevitable daylight savings. ⏰
And while this time of year can be such a blessing as it allows for longer daylight hours, it can be a ROUGH start, especially if you have kiddos.
Now that my kids are older, I don’t have to navigate too many of the challenges daylight savings can bring, but that doesn't mean I haven’t been through it.
I remember those seasons far too well when you FINALLY got your kiddos on an awesome sleep schedule just to have it wrecked by daylight savings.
To help you minimize some of those drastic changes this season and help you easily navigate daylight savings, I’ve rounded up 5 of my top tips!
My hope is that you’ll be able to implement one or more of these so that you welcome the longer daylight hours with joy and jump right into Spring with some pep in your step.
Oh, and by the way – if you’re lost on when this dreaded day is, it’s March 10th this year! (2024)
5 Ways to Navigate Daylight Savings With Your Kids
1. Make Gradual Adjustments
Instead of abruptly changing bedtime, start adjusting your child's schedule gradually a few days before the time changes.
A good rule of thumb is to shift bedtime and wake-up time by 15 minutes each day until you reach the desired schedule.
This will help your child's body clock gradually adapt to the new time.
I suggest starting these gradual adjustments at least 3 to 4 weeks before the change so that there’s plenty of wiggle room.
2. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine
Establishing a consistent and calming bedtime routine can help signal to your child that it's time to wind down. This routine might include reading a book, taking a warm bath, or listening to soothing music.
I personally love to turn down all the lights in our house and diffuse essential oils in the bedrooms to really signal that it’s time for bed. 😴
Maintaining this routine during the daylight savings transition can provide a sense of security and aid in the adjustment process as it essentially cues their body and brain that it’s time to lay down!
3. Get Plenty of Natural Light
Did you know that natural light is crucial in regulating our circadian rhythms?!
If you can, help your kids get outside in the morning hours to get direct sunlight right away. If the morning time isn’t possible, that’s okay! ☀️
Either way, encourage outdoor play during the day to help regulate their sleep-wake cycles and make it easier for them to adjust to the time change.
4. Limit Screen Time Before Bed
Many times it’s tempting to let your child watch a show or use their electronic devices in the evening hours and while I totally understand this as a mom myself, the blue light exposure can interfere with the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone, making it even harder for your child to fall asleep.
Just like it’s not good for us adults to use our phones right before we lay down, it’s not good for our kiddos either!
To ease the transition during daylight savings, establish a rule of limited screen time at least an hour before bedtime and instead opt for calming activities that don't involve electronic devices.
5. Maintain Consistency on Weekends
If there’s one major thing that I’ve learned as a parent, it’s that kids NEED consistency, especially when it comes to their schedules and routines.
Nothing throws a kid (or even some adults) off more than when their routine is disrupted.
And this is especially true when it comes to their sleep routines.
While it can be tempting to let your child stay up later on weekends, especially during daylight savings, try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule as much as you can!
This will help reinforce the adjusted routine and minimize disruption.
BONUS TIP: Remember to be sympathetic.
If your child or other family members seem frustrated or difficult during this change, remind yourself that this is simply a short-term disruption.
Before you know it, everyone will return to their regular schedules, and life can go on!
And for my mamas specifically, this tip is for you: don’t neglect your self care.
In stressful times, it’s SO easy for us moms to ignore what WE need, but taking care of yourself is extremely important, too.
Whether that means meditating, exercising, going to bed earlier, or taking a hot bath, do whatever you need to do to find your own mental happy place during this time! 🧘🏻♀️
When you take care of yourself, you’ll be able to show up and support your family even better.
Here’s to a smooth sailing daylight savings transition, mama – YOU GOT THIS!
And by the way – if you’re looking for more parenting support, I’m all about it.
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