It’s that time of year again—time to set the clocks back! Daylight saving time concludes on Sunday, November 7th, 2021, at 2 a.m., when we roll back to 1 a.m. and supposedly gain an extra hour of sleep. As a mom of three little ones under seven, I can’t recall the last time I truly enjoyed that extra hour.
For teens and parents of older kids, an extra hour of sleep might seem heavenly. But for parents of young children, like myself, it often marks the start of a challenging week spent trying to re-establish a normal sleep routine. The thought of waking up to my children’s bright-eyed faces an hour earlier than usual is not exactly thrilling. And really, what’s the purpose of Daylight Saving Time if it just seems to complicate our lives?
A Brief Overview of Daylight Saving Time in the U.S.
Daylight saving time was first implemented in the United States in 1918 through a bill that introduced seasonal time changes, but it was repealed after just seven months. During World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt revived it as “War Time,” which lasted from February 1942 until September 1945.
In 1966, the Uniform Time Act was passed to standardize the annual time shift, with daylight saving time beginning on the last Sunday in April and ending on the last Sunday in October. The U.S. Congress even mandated a year-round daylight saving period in 1973 to save energy during the oil embargo, but this proved ineffective, and the country reverted back to standard time in October 1974.
From 1987 until 2006, daylight saving time started the first weekend in April and ended the last weekend in October. In 2007, it was adjusted again to begin on the second Sunday in March and end on the first Sunday in November.
So, what’s the rationale behind all this? The purpose is to align the clock with daylight hours, theoretically aiding in energy conservation, reducing fuel consumption, and maximizing daylight for activities. The Department of Transportation claims that it helps save energy, decrease traffic accidents, and lower crime rates.
Preparing Babies and Kids for the Time Change
While “springing ahead” might seem fun, the “falling back” part can be challenging for parents with young kids. If your little ones, like many, tend to rise early, expect to see their eager faces an hour sooner than usual on Sunday morning. Here are some tips to help ease the transition:
- Gradually Adjust Bedtime: Instead of a sudden shift, gradually move their bedtime later in the days leading up to the time change. This way, they’ll be in bed an hour later on Saturday night and might wake up an hour later on Sunday morning.
- Increase Daylight Exposure: Natural sunlight during the day can help regulate circadian rhythms. If you can’t get outside or it’s a cloudy day, turn on lights indoors during the day.
- Modify Naptimes: If your toddler usually has a set nap time, consider waking them up a little earlier so they’re ready for bedtime sooner.
- Wear Them Out: The best way to ensure your kids are tired at bedtime is to tire them out first! Organize some vigorous physical activities on Saturday, but do it early enough so they aren’t too energized at bedtime.
- Limit Stimulation Before Sleep: This is a classic tip for establishing good sleep routines. In the days leading up to and following the time change, reduce screen time, cut back on sugar, and start quiet time earlier.
- Hide the Clocks: Just kidding! But it was nice when my oldest couldn’t tell time, and I could sneak in earlier bedtimes without a fuss. Now he points to the clock and reminds me it’s not quite time yet!
For those in Arizona, Hawaii, and some U.S. territories, daylight saving time is not observed, making life a little easier. So, if all else fails, perhaps consider relocating to Guam!
For more tips and advice on parenting and family life, check out our other blog posts, including this one on enhancing fertility.
Summary
As daylight saving time ends, parents of young children often face the challenge of adjusting sleep schedules. Gradually altering bedtimes, ensuring ample exposure to daylight, and managing pre-bedtime activities can help ease the transition.
Leave a Reply