Do I Need to Move Bedtime for Daylight Saving Time?

Do I need to adjust my child’s bedtime for daylight saving? What about naps? Will it really make that much of a difference?

— A Very Tired Mom

First, let’s just pause on the fact that daylight saving is stupid. Whatever the historical reason, the fact that we change the clocks twice a year doesn’t make a lot of sense anymore. Increasingly, every time we do this, there is discussion about why we shouldn’t do it. Some states have done away with it, which only adds to the confusion — now it’s a different time if you’re just across the state lines?

I think most people think that, long term, this will end. But like getting rid of the penny, dumping daylight saving requires an act of Congress. So don’t hold your breath.

golden autumn trees place in a circle around a clock — Katie Harp / Unsplash

For now, what to do? Because of the way our lives operate, you’ll probably need to move your child pretty quickly to align with the “new time.” Fortunately, children tend to have a very strong sense of circadian rhythms. They align well to light and dark. Which means the adjustment will happen and shouldn’t take too long.

In terms of specific strategies, there are two. First, some people start two or three days in advance of the time frame and move 20 to 30 minutes at a time. This eases your kids into it. Second, you can rip off the bandaid as if this is jet lag. For the “fall back” — stay up an hour later than usual and hope for the best in the morning.

The second option probably works better with slightly older kids, where you can explain to them that the time has changed, and they shouldn’t bother you until the (new) morning.

Good luck! Maybe this will be the last year of this; you never know.