Spring Forward!

Spring Forward is coming, which means we lose an hour of sleep (as if we had extra to spare). Admittedly, this was my favorite night to work as a permanent night shift nurse lol. But before you start panicking, let’s talk strategy.

My strategy? I never stressed or did anything to prepare – but that is the type B in me. I have a super easy strategy to follow if you like to pre plan and prep.

If your child is already on a consistent schedule, you may not need to do a thing. Most toddlers and older kids adjust naturally within a few days. Their internal clocks will sync up, especially if you keep wake-up time, naps, and bedtime consistent.

The first morning might feel a little rough, but their bodies will catch up, just like when you travel to a different time zone.

Perfect for: Parents who prefer to rip the Band-Aid off and roll with it.

Another option? Wake them up at their normal time on Sunday morning. If they normally rise at 7 am, go in and wake them up! (this will feel like 6 am).

What to expect: A slight adjustment period, but minimal disruption if you stick to your usual routine.

If you have an early riser or a sensitive sleeper, you can ease them into the time change by shifting their schedule by 10-15 minutes each day.

Here’s how:

Start four days before the time change. Move bedtime 10-15 minutes earlier each night.

Adjust naps - Keep everything in sync with the earlier bedtime shift.

Wake them up slightly earlier each morning. This helps their internal clock adjust gradually.

By Sunday, they’ll be right on schedule. And you won’t have a 5 a.m. wake-up call on Monday. Win-win.

Perfect for: Parents who like to ease into things and prefer to prep and prepare.

What to expect: A smoother transition with fewer disruptions to sleep.

Regardless of the approach you choose, these three things can make the transition easier:

• Stick to Your Routine: The more predictable your child’s schedule, the easier their body will adjust. Keep wake-up, meals, naps, and bedtime as consistent as possible.
• Use Light to Your Advantage: Natural light is the best way to regulate the body’s internal clock. Get outside in the morning to reinforce wake time, and dim lights in the evening to encourage melatonin production. And don’t forgot to go outside and HAVE FUN! (if the weather is cooperating).
• Avoid a Late Nap: Push through that last but of tiredness and try an earlier bedtime if needed.
• Be Patient: Even if your child struggles for a few days, they will adjust. Just like adults grumble through the time change but eventually adapt, kids will too. Stay consistent, and things will smooth out within a week.

Spring Forward doesn’t have to mean sleep disaster. Whether you choose to do nothing or gradually adjust, the key is consistency, exposure to light, and a little bit (or a lot) of patience.

And if all else fails, there’s always coffee. Lots and lots of coffee. Coffee is also part of my do nothing method hahah.

But yay! We get longer days and more sunshine!