Get your family ready for the change

By Cara Johnson-Bader

Daylight saving time is just around the corner on March 12. We know that the time change can wreak havoc on the sleep schedule for parents and their children. Use the following tried-and-true tips to help you and your child experience a smooth transition during the time change. The teachers at New Horizon Academy recommend the following tips to reduce sleep, memory, and behavior issues related to daylight saving time.

Transition slowly: To ensure your child’s sleep does not get off track, make a slow transition. Gradually adjust your baby’s, toddler’s, preschooler’s, or school-ager’s bedtime and naptime backward or forward by 15 minutes for at least four nights prior to the time change. This will greatly ease the challenges associated with daylight saving.

Get outdoors and move: Research tells us that spending time outdoors improves sleep, so plan daily outdoor activities with your child.

Focus on lighting: Dimming the lights in your child’s bedroom before bedtime and using blackout curtains or shades to ensure the bedroom is not too bright in the morning will help reduce sleep issues related to daylight saving.

Turn off electronics: Studies have shown that using electronic devices prior to bedtime suppresses sleep. By simply turning off electronic devices 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime, you can get a better night of rest and relaxation.

Establish a relaxing bedtime routine: The hour before bed should consist of relaxing activities that promote sleep, such as bath time, story time, and meditation.

Be patient: Adjusting to the new time change is not easy, so give yourself and your child some grace as you become accustomed to the changes.

Implementing these tips will assist both you and your child experience a smooth transition during daylight saving.