March 10th is Daylight Savings Time!
Sunday, March 10th is Daylight Savings Time! While gaining an extra hour of daylight in the evening is a welcome change for many, it can also disrupt our children’s sleep routines. Here are some tips to help your little ones adjust smoothly to the time change and make the most of that extra hour of daylight.
Quick Tips to Help Your Child Adjust!
1. Gradual Adjustment: Start adjusting your child’s bedtime and wake-up time gradually in the days leading up to the time change.
Occupational Therapist Bianca Lane Suggests: “Move their bedtime routine up by 30-60 minutes. But make sure to keep your usual routine consistent!”
2. Maintain a Consistent Routine: Stick to your child’s regular bedtime routine to signal to their body that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep, even if it’s now an hour later.
3. Use Natural Light: Expose your child to natural light in the morning to help regulate their internal clock. Open the curtains or go for a morning walk to soak in the early sunshine.
4. Limit Screen Time: Reduce your child’s exposure to screens, especially in the evening, as the blue light can interfere with their ability to fall asleep.
To help with the adjustment, Occupational Therapist Bianca Lane suggests: “Add extra physical activity outside on the day before the time change!”
5. Be Patient: It may take a few days for your child to fully adjust to the new schedule, so be patient and understanding during this transition period.
Activities to Enjoy the Extra Daylight
– Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items for your child to find in nature, such as leaves, flowers, or rocks. This outdoor activity is a great way to enjoy the extra daylight and connect with nature.
– Gardening: Planting seeds or tending to a garden can be a fun and educational activity for children. They can learn about plant growth and take pride in caring for their own plants.
– Outdoor Art: Set up an outdoor art station with sidewalk chalk, paint, or clay. Let your child’s creativity shine in the fresh air!
– Evening Stroll: Take a family walk in the evening to enjoy the extended daylight. It’s a relaxing way to end the day and unwind before bedtime.
Spring Into Your New Routine!
While the time change can be challenging, it also brings the promise of longer, brighter days ahead! So, embrace the change, enjoy the extra daylight, and spring forward into this new season!
