With the arrival of spring also comes the change to summer time. Thus, in the early hours of next Saturday to Sunday we will have to advance our clocks and at 02:00 it will be 03:00, losing that day an hour of sleep.
Time changes usually affect us all, but especially children. And although luckily this year they will catch the change enjoying the Easter holidays, it is worth remembering a series of tips to minimize, as far as possible, the effects that it can have on the biorhythms of the little ones.
How does the time change affect children?
The Spanish Association of Pediatrics reminds us that children are the ones who suffer the most from time changes, causing them to have sleep disorders, attention problems, irritability, anger, fatigue and discouragement.
With the change of time we gain more light time, so depending on the time at which children are accustomed to going to sleep, there may still be some clarity that delays that moment. And, who does not sound that of: "But how am I going to bed now if it's still daylight!"?.
We can try to help you with previous routines that invite relaxation like a warm bath, a light dinner and a good night's story, not forgetting, of course, to lower the blinds well to avoid clarity to the room.
In Babies and more, early dressing children has benefits for them, and for parents: science says soDo not forget that pediatricians recommend that children rest a minimum of 10 hours a day, a figure that rises to 11 or 12 hours if we talk about preschoolers.
That is why it is essential Do not delay bedtime to ensure a good rest, although this year we are lucky to live the time change in full vacations and avoid early rises to go to school.
In any case, to counteract the possible effects on the biorhythms of children that usually causes the change of time, from the Spanish Association of Pediatrics We recommend that children adapt to the new schedule gradually a few days before, advancing daily in 15 minutes their routines: snack, baths, dinners, time to go to bed, time to get up ...
In this way, the change will not be abrupt nor will it take place overnight.
Set an example and try to explain the reasons for the change
And as usually happens with everything, if the parents we set an example and adapt with them Gradually to the new schedule, children will probably find it easier, since they will continue to live their daily family routines.
We may feel like eating or dining sooner than we usually do, or the afternoon sun may make us want to extend the day longer. But at least for a few days we should make that little effort, and adapt the whole family equally to the changes.
In addition, we can try to explain the reasons for the time change (especially if they are somewhat older), so that they understand why when they wake up it will be more night than before but the afternoons will be longer.
And in spite of this "mini jet-lag" that we will have to suffer, the positive thing about the European time change is saying goodbye to winter time and enjoying more hours of sun to play outdoors with the kids. Now we just need the cold we are having a little truce!
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