3. Focus on Nap Time
One of the greatest ways to prepare your kiddos for Daylight Saving Time is to focus on their naps. In the days leading up to springing forward, make sure they’re getting solid daytime naps going into the weekend.
In addition, start moving naps back by 15 minutes at a time, along with bedtime to ensure they’re on track by the time the shift hits.
4. Use Dramatic Wake-Ups
Monday morning is bound to be rough on some of our older littles—the ones who no longer take naps and go HARD on Sunday afternoon.
Keeping the light longer in the evenings means the mornings stay darker a little longer as well. Help your kiddos get over the hump of Daylight Saving Time with what The Sleep Lady, Kim West calls “dramatic wake-ups.”
“Go into their room at the appropriate time, open the shades, turn on the lights, and give a cheerful, ‘good morning!’” West says.
This nixes all chances of hitting “snooze” 17 times, and helps the kids get ready for the day.
5. Split the Hour in Half
It’s all about baby steps. Rather than moving bedtime back by a whole hour and risking zombie children for an entire week, start by scheduling bedtime and nap times 30 minutes later for easier adjusting.
Experts warn that it may take kids a little longer to fall asleep by doing this, but within a week, their bodies will be well adjusted.
When it comes to Daylight Saving Time, a little planning the week before can make a world of a difference when the clock changes on Sunday, March 14th.
