Time Change With Kids - Tips on How to Minimize the Impact

The sun sets the night before we have to spring forward 1 hour on our clocks, 1 hour of sleep is instantly lost.  Tomorrow is going to be a nightmare as you get used to a switch in time AND deal with the tired & grumpy kids.

But what are some ways we can help them cope with the change?  We have some tips to minimize the impact of this annual ritual of skipping forward an hour when spring hits.

Plan the Lead Up

​There are a couple of things we like to address here.  Firstly, if your child is well rested prior to the change, then they will handle the change much better.  With this in mind, try to ensure they are getting sleep in the lead up to the time change. 

​Secondly, and this may be the biggest suggestion, stage the time change.  If it's not absolutely unavoidable, then don't try to have them adjust to a 1 hour change in one brutal hit.  Move the clocks a little bit each day in the lead up.  15 mins per day or 30 mins per day is MUCH easier to handle and may even be almost unnoticeable to them.  Once the 1st day of the actual change arrives, it will be a piece of cake.

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Remove the Pressure

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​Well firstly, nobody can instantly adjust and get right into sync after a 1 hour change, not even adults.  So let's assume that putting pressure on the kids to instantly be ok with losing an hour of sleep is just not effective. 

The day of the change it's ok to have a PJ day, watch a family movie or just chill at home.  In fact doing this may make Monday more successful because some studies show that Monday has a higher impact on people than the actual day of the time change itself.

Routine, Routine, Routine

​Did we mention routine?  It's more important than ever to stick to your regular routine of a bath, reading a book, or whatever you do in your house that sends the signal that bedtime is coming.  This routine will help them so that the only thing that changes is the number on the clock.

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Don't Be Too Hard on Them

Yes there may be more temper tantrums than normal, more backchat, or more attitude in general.  It's important that you take care of your ability to handle the loss of an hour sleep too, grumpy meeting grumpier never ends well for anyone.  Keeping the house calm, relaxed and even a little more forgiving than normal will benefit the kids and parents.  Pick your battles, is this one even worth participating in?  More than likely not

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So although there is no avoiding it, the time change effects are short lived and temporary.  A little  bit of planning and forgiveness will go a long way. 

Plus don't forget, this means that longer days and warmer weather is here, that has to be worth something :-)

Author
​Bernadene Weskin