This weekend, Daylight Saving Time is coming up and that means we are all about to lose 60 minutes of sleep. Basically, shifting the clock forward does not seem like a big trouble for adults but it is a whole other story for kids. If you are worried your child can have trouble adjusting to the upcoming time change, here are 5 simple tips to help your child adjust to the upcoming time change.
- Shift Schedule Gradually
You can easily help your child adjust to the upcoming time change by shifting their schedule slowly. If you choose planning ahead, start to move the entire daytime schedule of your child earlier in around fifteen-minute increments beginning on Thursday. Then, give them meals fifteen minutes earlier, naps fifteen minutes earlier and finally, put them to sleep at night fifteen minutes earlier. Repeat this schedule next day. The slow shift helps their internal clock adjust, which makes it less likely that they’ll lose sleep.
- Control The Lights
About 60 minutes before bedtime of your child on Sunday, you need to draw the curtains, darken the lights in your house, and avoid using any electronics. Lessening the exposure to bright lights can help your kid wind down and promote the melatonin production. Along with that, use room darkening curtains; therefore the new early evening light does not make it difficult to sleep.
- Expose Your Child To Much Daylight In The Morning
It is best to try exposing your child to natural light particularly in the morning. This will help to reset their biological clock, which makes it easier to adjust to Daylight Saving Time.
- Begin The Day Off Right
You get your child on Daylight Saving Time as quickly as you can if you are not planning on shifting the schedule of your child gradually. Go in and wake your kid at their usual wake up time on Sunday so that you can begin the day on the new time. Plus, ensure all of activities and naps of your child occur on the new time.
- Be Patient
A few children adjust to Daylight Saving Time easier than others. However, the key is relaxing, being patient and being consistent. You child’s internal clocks will be back on track in just several days. You may lose 60 minutes of sleep, but your kids may sleep in if they are an early riser already.
Many adults feel cranky and sluggish themselves after the time change switch. But these effects are often short-lived within one week or so. You should pay attention to care for yourself. If you know other tips to help your child adjust to the upcoming time change, share your experiences with us in the comments section below.
Author Bio:
This post is by Marry Smith, a blogger with many years of experience in searching the best natural home remedies for beauty and health issues.