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It is no secret that parents do not get enough sleep. It is also no secret that most adults despise the spring time change because we lose an hour of treasured sleep. Luckily, there are a few things you can implement to make this transition a bit easier on your preschooler and yourself.
Stick with Routines
Parents of preschoolers know how important routines are for children. Routines help them feel secure and also help signal different times of the day, such as bedtime. Sticking with your normal routines will greatly benefit your preschooler in transition into the time change.
Gradual Shifts
Four days before we spring forward an hour, begin shifting your preschooler’s bedtime fifteen minutes earlier each night. As mentioned above, keep the routines the same, but begin them fifteen minutes earlier. By the night of the time change occurs, your preschooler will be going to bed at the same time on the clock as usual. For example, Tuesday bedtime is at the usual time of 9:00, Wednesday bedtime is 8:45, Thursday at 8:30, Friday at 8:15, and Saturday at 8:00. Sunday night bedtime is at 9:00 again, which is what 8:00 was yesterday. The gradual shifting of schedules will help the change not feel so drastic to your preschooler. It is a good idea to also shift dinner, naps, and other meals fifteen minutes earlier each day to keep consistent times between meal and sleep times.
Embrace Darkness
One reason bedtime is more difficult during Daylight Savings Time is because it is still light outside when it is time for young children to go to bed. If you feel this will be an issue for your preschooler, invest in a set of room darkening curtains. The curtains will block the sunlight and trick your preschooler’s brain into thinking it is dark outside. Be sure to open the curtains in the morning, to let in sunlight and help your preschooler’s circadian rhythm to recognize day and night.
Be patient with your preschooler and yourself. Remember that our internal time clocks are strong. You may be more sleep deprived the first week or two after the time change, but your preschooler’s sleep schedule will get back to normal.
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