How to Help Children Adjust to the End of Daylight Saving Time

pregnant woman in blue dress with coffee mug

Parenting

By Jamie Reed
November 3, 2021

It’s that time of year again—time to turn the clocks back! Daylight saving time concludes this year on Sunday, November 7th at 2 a.m., when we officially set our clocks back to 1 a.m., gaining that elusive extra hour of sleep. But as a mom of three little ones aged seven and under, I can’t quite recall the last time I truly enjoyed this “fall back” benefit.

In theory, an extra hour of sleep sounds fantastic, especially for parents of older kids and teens. However, for those of us with younger children, this time change often marks the start of a challenging week as we work to reset their sleep schedules. The thought of seeing their bright eyes before the sun rises on Sunday morning isn’t exactly thrilling. Honestly, what’s the point of daylight saving time if it just complicates our lives?

A Brief History of Daylight Saving Time in the U.S.

Daylight saving time was first introduced in the United States in 1918, but it was short-lived, lasting only seven months. President Franklin Roosevelt reinstated it during World War II as “War Time,” which ran from February 1942 until September 1945. The Uniform Time Act of 1966 established a more organized approach, starting daylight saving time on the last Sunday in April and ending it on the last Sunday in October.

In response to the 1973 oil embargo, Congress mandated year-round daylight saving time from January 1974 to April 1975 in an effort to conserve energy. This experiment was deemed ineffective, and by October 1974, standard time was reinstated. From 1987 to 2006, daylight saving time began on the first weekend in April and ended on the last weekend in October. In 2007, the schedule changed again, now starting on the second Sunday in March and concluding on the first Sunday in November.

So What’s the Purpose?

The primary goal of daylight saving time is to align our clocks with the natural daylight available. Advocates argue that it leads to energy conservation, reduced fuel consumption, and more daylight hours when people are active. The Department of Transportation claims that it can lower energy use, decrease traffic accidents, and reduce crime.

Tips for Preparing Young Children for the End of Daylight Saving Time

While the spring forward might sound fun, the fall back can be a bit of a nightmare for parents with young kids. If your little ones are early risers, prepare for them to wake up an hour earlier than usual on Sunday morning. Here are some strategies to help ease the transition:

Gradually Adjust Bedtime: Instead of a sudden time change, gradually push your child’s bedtime later. This way, they’ll go to bed an hour later on Saturday night and, hopefully, wake up an hour later on Sunday morning. After the time change, revert to their regular bedtime.
Increase Daylight Exposure: Ensure your child gets plenty of natural sunlight during the day to help regulate their internal clock. If outdoor time isn’t feasible, keep indoor lights on during the day.
Alter Naptime: If your toddler or baby has a consistent nap schedule, consider waking them up earlier to align their sleep routine with the time change.
Use Up Energy: The best way to ensure your kids are tired at bedtime, regardless of the clock, is to engage them in physical activities. Plan for some fun, active playtime earlier in the day, ensuring they’re not overly energized when bedtime approaches.
Limit Screen Time Before Bed: Stick to a relaxing bedtime routine by reducing screen exposure, cutting back on sugary snacks, and introducing quiet time earlier in the evening.
Hide the Clocks: Just kidding! But I do miss the days when my oldest couldn’t tell time, allowing me to put him to bed earlier without a fuss. Now, he’s quick to point out the clock and remind me that it’s not quite bedtime yet!

Interestingly, states like Arizona and Hawaii, along with certain U.S. territories, do not observe daylight saving time at all. So, if the struggle is real, you might consider relocating to Guam and leaving this issue behind!

Want to learn more? Check out our other blog post for additional insights here and visit Make a Mom for expert advice on fertility journeys. For an excellent resource on home insemination, visit NHS.

Search Queries:

Summary:

As daylight saving time approaches, parents of young children face the challenge of adjusting their kids’ sleep schedules. To ease the transition, gradually shift bedtime, ensure exposure to natural light, adjust naptimes, engage in physical activities, and limit screen time before bed. While the time change can be daunting, with some preparation, families can navigate this annual adjustment more smoothly.

Keyphrase: preparing kids for daylight saving time

Tags: “home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”