As the first hints of autumn grace our sunny shores, it’s time to prepare our little ones for the impending shift in time that comes with daylight savings. Living under a palm tree can often make it feel like summer is a perpetual state; however, the changing clock can still throw off our routines. Here are a few tips to help ease the transition for your children.

Start adjusting their bedtime gradually in the days leading up to the time change. Shift it by just 15 minutes every night, so they don’t feel the jolt of a full hour shift all at once. This gentle approach allows their bodies to adapt more naturally.

In the mornings, ensure they have plenty of exposure to natural light to help reset their internal clocks. Perhaps a morning walk under the warm sunshine or some time playing in the garden can work wonders.

Lastly, reassure them of the change - a simple explanation about how the clocks go back to give us more daylight to enjoy. Emphasise the fun aspects, such as “more time to play in the beautiful sunset!” By framing it positively, you can help foster excitement rather than confusion.

With a little preparation and understanding, your kids will smoothly embrace the shorter days, all while basking in the beauty of life under a palm tree.

As the clocks spring forward or fall back, the twice-yearly ritual of Daylight Saving Time can be a real challenge for families. Here are some helpful tips to prepare your children for the time change.

First, begin to adjust their bedtime gradually in the week leading up to the change. If the clocks are set to move forward by an hour, for example, try putting them to bed 10 to 15 minutes earlier each night. This will help their bodies adapt to the new schedule more easily.

In addition, maintain a consistent daytime routine. Keeping meal and activity times regular can provide a sense of stability, making the transition smoother. Encourage outdoor play during daylight hours, letting them soak up the sun's natural light, which can help regulate their internal clocks.

Finally, create a calm bedtime environment. Dim the lights an hour before sleep, and consider reading a story or playing soothing music to signal it's time to wind down. With a bit of preparation, you can make the shift a little less daunting for your little ones as you embrace the change in daylight together!