Helping Kids Spring Forward

The upcoming time change is hard on everyone. It can throw off sleep, mood, attention span, and even appetite. It can be especially hard on children.

Tips to Help Kids Roll With the Time Change

  1. Begin shifting the child’s bedtime. Put him to sleep a few minutes earlier each night for a few nights before the clock changes. The shift should be subtle enough that the child is still able to fall asleep.
  2. Spend time outside. Being in the natural light automatically helps one’s internal clock adjust. Exposure to bright light in the morning (even the indoor kind) is said to help.
  3. Be active. Loads of physical activity is critical for kids on so many levels. For the purposes of this tip, physical activity will help ensure that your child falls asleep more easily at night.

There are very useful techniques for helping your child wind down at night. This is a good time to employ these techniques. You can learn more about them here:

Unwind for Bedtime , Bedtime Breathing, Calm Yourself to Calm Your Kids

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2 Responses to Helping Kids Spring Forward
  1. katfrogg
    March 12, 2010 | 7:52 pm

    Now….if the SUN would just cooperate in our little slice of the world! Cloudy and raining. No fun for a weekend. :(

  2. Emily
    March 12, 2010 | 8:12 pm

    Same here, but I’m enjoying the daffodils and some lovely spring fragrances. Spring is just around the corner (my daughter actually looks around the corner every time I say that :) )

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