Although we still enjoy our summer and the holiday, there is also a moment when we go to the cold winter months again. That also means that we have to move the clock again. This can disrupt the sleep rhythm of young children. Here are a few tips for a perfect transition from summer to winter time.
Why touches my child's rhythm when moving the clock?
Our body often tells us what we need. From quieting our hunger to getting enough sleep when we are tired. In part, that biological clock is also influenced by external factors. Think of light, activity, temperature differences and, for example, sound. Especially with young children it can take a while before that clock is "set". Resisting the clock, when we go from summer to winter time, can also cause a lot of unrest. In fact, even we adults can suffer from this.
When the clock goes back an hour, it takes some getting used to for children. Both the sleep rhythm must be regulated again by the body, as well as eating and playing moments. If your child suffers from the new rhythm, you will notice that they are tired faster or are hungry than on the "normal" times. No matter how difficult it is, try to stick to the new era.
Tips to get used to summer or winter time
To facilitate the transition from summer to winter time (and vice versa) we have a few tips that can help you:
- Keep an eye on sleep times. When the clock goes ahead or backwards, children are quickly inclined by sleeping or waking up in the past. By waking up your child or leaving it in bed for a while, you will flexibly deal with this. This way you get used to the new times.
- Is your child really tired? A short nap can do no harm. Fighting against the clock and our biological rhythm only results in disadvantages.
Which method do you use for the switch from summer to winter time?
Do you want to make optimum use of the switch from summer to winter time? Then you can choose from two methods. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, but ultimately help make the switch easier for your child. These are the methods:
- step by step: to make the transition from summer to winter time too easier for your little one and maybe yourself, you can step by step by step adjusting your rhythm. That means that you move your schedule for 10 to 15 minutes ahead every day. In how many days you want to apply this method is entirely up to you. Do it especially what feels good.
- Cold Turkey: This is the direct way. By going cold turkey, you immediately switch to the new rhythm. It is important that you will maintain when your child is tired or is hungry.
Whether you go step by step or cold turkey from summer to winter time is entirely up to you as a parent. You know your child best and you can decide for yourself how you approach this. Some children, just like adults, are a bit more sensitive to a change in their rhythm. There is nothing wrong with that and that can absolutely no harm. Just get used to it.
