Navigating Shorter Days with Your Kids

Hello Parents!

November ushers in cooler temperatures and shorter days as we find ourselves adjusting to the end of Daylight Savings. While some of us seamlessly transition into the new rhythm, others may still feel a bit jetlagged, especially when it comes to managing family life.

Just like us, our kids can struggle with the shift in sunlight hours. One key to helping them adapt is to spend quality time outdoors during the daylight. Not only does this make the most of beautiful autumn days, but it also eases the transition for kids to stay awake a bit longer in the evenings, even after the sun has set.

Here are a few tips to make this adjustment smoother for the whole family:

1. Keep it Low-Key: Minimize the fuss around the time change. Adjust clocks and watches the morning after, but otherwise, maintain your regular routine. Children often mirror what they see, so sticking to their usual schedule can help them adapt more quickly.

2. Explain the Change: If your child is old enough, take a moment to explain why the time change happens. Understanding the reasoning behind it can be reassuring, even if bedtime feels later and the days seem shorter.

3. Create a Dark Sleep Environment: Ensure your child's bedroom is conducive to sleep, especially during the darker mornings. Invest in dark curtains to block out the early sunlight, allowing them to sleep a bit longer without being disturbed.

4. Extra Grace and Patience: Recognize that adjusting to the end of Daylight Savings may not be smooth for every child. A little extra grace and patience during this period can make a significant difference, especially if tired little ones are a bit moodier than usual.

While the switch in times has already taken place, these tips remain relevant throughout the season with less sunlight. However, your family decides to navigate the dwindling daylight, remember to be patient with yourselves and those around you.

Wishing you a smooth transition into this new season!

Warm regards,

Mindy

Hi, I'm Mama Mindy, and I help parents have a better relationship with their kids by focusing on the "why" behind behavior.

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