Day Light Savings Time

Day Light Savings Time ends on November 2, 2014.
That means an extra hour is being added to your weekend! That should be exciting information. This is the “good” time change!

BK (before kids) that meant more time for your FUN weekend activities.
AK (after kids) the big question is, “What will this do to the sleep schedule or (lack of sleep schedule) of your child?

The good news is that if your child has a good sleep foundation, they will adjust easily. If you need assistance with setting that good foundation, contact me.

Here are a few tips to help your child through the time change.

• Your child will follow your cues, so follow your same routine but adjust all your activities to the hour later; such as your mealtimes, playtimes, bath-time and sleep times. The security of their same routine will help your child adjust. This is not a good time to plan extra activities or outings.
• To make the change a little easier you could start on October 30 and move everything 15 minutes earlier each day until you are at the correct time on November 2.
• It may take your child a few days to adjust his or her sleep and awake rhythm to the time difference. If your child is waking too early then be prepared to adjust the bedtime earlier to make sure your child is not becoming overtired.
• During the morning, expose your child to sunlight, if possible. The sunlight will help to reset the body clock. Thirty minutes prior to bedtime, dim the lights to send the sleepy cue to their body.
• Be Patient! Whatever age your child is; any change may take a little time.

Arlene Fryling, Sleep Consultant at GentleTouchSleepTime.com