If you are anything like me, preparing for Daylight Savings can be a complete flop. Each time, I tell myself I'm going to start adjusting bedtime little by little the week before. Does that ever happen? Sure doesn't. Nope. Not a once. Life with kids is hard and bedtime can be even harder; not to mention adjusting bedtime perfectly by 15 minutes each night as many sleep specialists suggest.
If you're one of the parents who prepare, execute successfully, and can achieve greatness with that method, don't brag. The rest of us are over here wiping our eye boogers with kids awake way too early (yes I know it's technically the same time but boy, does that sunlight make a difference), wondering how much longer until nap time? How could it ALREADY be Daylight Savings time? Didn't we just do this? Maybe your baby just started sleeping better and you fear what will happen now.
Well...here are a few tips to help get you through this adjustment period.
1) Breathe. Your kids will adjust; as will you. Remind yourself that this is temporary and will be better soon. I know that's easier said than done. So give yourself some grace.
2) Coffee with a capital "C". If you don't drink caffeine, more power to you. But for me, there's just something about holding a mug of warmth that helps to be awake early, a little less miserable. Perhaps, try decaf tea or hot cocoa if coffee isn't your thing. Buy yourself a new mug to make it even that much better!
3) Wake up at your usual time and pick an activity to distract you and the kids until naptime. Finding a project, game, or task that can make them worn out would be helpful. Even 15-20 minutes later than your ideal nap time will make a difference!
An example of activities would be playing "Red Light, Green Light". My 3 year old thinks running in the house is great. This is a way it can stay controlled and safe. Not only does running around make them tired, it uses brain energy for your toddlers to think about the color you said, and what speed they now should be at.
4) Blackout curtains and white noise! If you don't already use it, you may want to add these ones to your amazon cart NOW! You will thank us later.
4) Hire a Postpartum Doula. Having someone come into your home, cook for you, acknowledge your struggles and hear you without a hidden agenda or judgment, keep your kids busy so you can nap or shower and give you professional sleep tips/ tricks when you're too tired to function, can be a game-changer. It's one of the best parenting investments you can make.
5) Give yourself grace knowing that your schedule won't be perfect for maybe a week. Each day, try a little bit more to get nap time and bedtime back to the time you're desiring. Before you know it, Daylight Savings will be a thing of the past and you'll be back to crushing Motherhood like a pro.
If the thought of managing all of this is overwhelming, and you can't imaging being more exhausted than you already are, consider purchasing a Postpartum support package to give you even more support. Our Doulas are taking extra safety precautions, and are available for a consultation TODAY!
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