Daylight saving times ends on October 31, when people in most parts of the United States move their clocks backward an hour, so that in the Spring we can move an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening (fall back and spring forward, remember?). But the United States isn't the only country that moves their clocks. 70 other countries observe daylight saving, although they begin and end at different times.
Most parents welcome the beginning of daylight saving time in Spring, so that their children can spend more time playing outside in the evening. The end of daylight saving time seems less useful. By moving the clocks back an hour, now all of a sudden, it is getting dark much earlier.
The other main downside to this 'fall back' is that it can interfere with your children's sleep schedules. Although adults and older children can usually quickly adapt to a new wake up and sleep time, especially if they are already a little sleep deprived, it can be more difficult for younger children.
After moving the clocks back an hour, children who were used to going to bed when it was dark at 8 pm and waking up at 7am, will now be wanting (or ready) to go to bed at 7 pm, and while that may be okay, they also will be ready to wake up at 6am.
Younger children's sleep schedules are more tied to their internal clocks and when they feel tired or are used to going to sleep, and not to what time a clock says it is.
How do you get your child used to daylight saving time?
The usual recommendation is to gradually get your child used to his new bedtime. So, even before daylight saving time ends, instead of an 8pm bedtime, you might put your child to bed 5-15 minutes later every few days. This way, by the time you move your clock back an hour, your child is already used to going to bed at the 'earlier' time.
It can also help to wake your child up a little later each day. So instead of waking him up at the same time he usually wakes up, if you put him to bed a little later, let your child sleep in a little.
Also keep nap times regular and at the same adjusted time that he usually takes them.
If you didn't make a gradual adjustment to your child's sleep schedule, you will likely have a hard time trying to getting them to stay up an hour later. Remember that if you do put them to bed earlier, at the 'time' they are used to going to bed, they will likely wake up an hour earlier the next morning.
For example, say your 18 month old is used to sleeping from 8pm to 7am (plus a few naps). After moving the clock back, he will likely be on a 7pm to 6am schedule, which you will have to shift back to 8-7. So, try to keep him up until 8pm (or 7:15 pm if you want to take a more gradual approach), and then hopefully he will 'sleep in' until 7am (or 6:15am). He might be a little extra tired and fussy that first day, but if you don't change his nap schedule, hopefully he will be ready to go to bed later the next night and you will have him back on his 8pm to 7am schedule.
Many parents make the mistake of letting their children go to sleep early the day after daylight saving time ends. And it is tempting to do this so your child doesn't become sleep deprived. But then your child will likely not be able to go to bed on time the next night and it will just take longer to get back on schedule.
If you have an infant that is a night owl, going to sleep at 9 or 10pm despite your best intentions, a shift backwards can actually be helpful. Or if there is no real reason that your child can't wake up 'earlier', then you may not have to change anything.
Also keep in mind that the start and end of daylight saving time are good chances to get caught up on safety measures around the house, such as changing the batteries in your smoke detectors and cleaning out your medicine cabinets.
