Time to move our clocks: Fall Back, Spring Forward!

My favorite night of the year! Yes, I gain one hour of sleep!

But wait, do I really?

And what about young children? Would they know to sleep in one extra hour? No, as we all know! Chances are that they wake up as usual, needing our attention, and at the end of the day, they get tired earlier (on time by the old clock). It may take one week, sometimes even two weeks for them to get used to the new time, because anything, like naps, can be disturbed, which can cause a domino effect for the rest. Their inner rhythm can be thrown off.

So it is best to plan accordingly; go to bed on time and be prepared for anything! Fall is easier compared to spring when we lose one hour and the pressure is on as we try to be on time for everything.

Either way, looking ahead and be ready at least mentally for some more crying, resistance or challenging behaviors can go a long way. They have to express it somehow. To be able to hold that space for their expressions, we have to be well rested and replenished ourselves.

I always end up staying up later and using up my one hour right at the beginning. Not a great idea! This time, I am going to use it either at the end of my sleep by going to bed on time and actually sleeping in one extra hour, or if I get up as usual, I can use it during the day on Sunday. Maybe I will do some breathing excise I have been wanting to try. How would you spend your extra few minutes?

I hope everyone gets a quality sleep tonight and always!