It’s that time of year again—time to turn the clocks back! Daylight saving time concludes on Sunday, November 7th, 2021, at 2 a.m. We’ll officially set our clocks back to 1 a.m., which theoretically grants us an extra hour of sleep. However, as a mom of three kids under seven, I can’t recall the last time I truly enjoyed the benefits of “falling back.”
For parents of older children and teens, an additional hour of sleep might be a welcome treat. But for those of us with young kids, it often marks the start of a challenging week as we struggle to reset their sleep schedules. The thought of waking to their cheerful faces before dawn on Sunday is far from enticing. And really, what’s the point of daylight saving time if it disrupts our lives?
A Brief History of Daylight Saving Time in the U.S.
Daylight saving time was first implemented in the United States in 1918 as a seasonal time adjustment, only to be repealed seven months later. During World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt reintroduced it as “War Time,” which lasted from February 1942 until September 1945. The Uniform Time Act of 1966 established a formal schedule for daylight saving time, designating it to start the last Sunday in April and end 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, which ultimately proved ineffective for energy conservation. From 1987 to 2006, the period began the first weekend in April and ended the last weekend in October. In 2007, the schedule shifted again, 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. It’s been proposed for various reasons, including energy savings, reduced fuel consumption, and extending daylight hours during active periods. The Department of Transportation, which oversees this practice, asserts it helps save energy, lowers traffic incidents, and decreases crime rates.
How Can You Prepare Babies and Kids for the Time Change?
While the springing forward aspect seems exciting, the fallback can be quite a headache for parents of young children. If your little ones are early risers, prepare for their bright-eyed faces to greet you an hour earlier than usual on Sunday morning. While it may take a few days to adjust, here are some strategies to help ease the transition:
- Gradually Adjust Bedtime: Instead of a sudden shift, gradually push bedtime later in the days leading up to the time change. This way, your kids will go to bed an hour later on Saturday night, ideally waking up an hour later on Sunday morning. After the time change, revert to the regular bedtime.
- Increase Daylight Exposure: Encourage plenty of natural sunlight during the day to keep circadian rhythms in sync. If outdoor access isn’t possible, brighten the indoors with lights during daytime hours.
- Modify Naptime: For babies or toddlers who follow a nap schedule, consider waking them slightly earlier to help them adjust to the new bedtime.
- Engage in Physical Activity: Keep your kids active throughout the day to ensure they’re tired at bedtime. Saturday could be the perfect day for some vigorous playtime, just make sure it’s early enough not to overstimulate them.
- Limit Stimulation Before Sleep: This is essential for any good sleep routine. Reduce screen time, cut back on sugary snacks, and establish a quiet time before bed in the days surrounding the time change.
- Temporarily Hide Clocks: Just kidding! But I fondly remember the days when my oldest couldn’t tell time, making it easier to manage bedtimes without clock-watching!
Interestingly, states like Arizona and Hawaii, along with various U.S. territories, do not observe daylight saving time at all. If all else fails, consider relocating to Guam for a permanent solution to this annual dilemma!
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Summary
Preparing for the end of daylight saving time can be challenging for parents of young children. By gradually adjusting bedtimes, increasing exposure to natural light, and engaging in physical activities, you can help your little ones adjust more smoothly. Managing screen time and creating a calming bedtime routine are essential too. While some regions do not observe daylight saving time, understanding these strategies can make the transition easier for families across the U.S.
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