Whoever invented Daylight Saving Time didn’t have children. I’m sure of it. No one with children would willingly wreak a little one’s natural rhythm by arbitrarily moving the hands of the clock forward or backward. Daylight Saving Time is no fun!

Daylight Saving Time was no big deal before children. In fact, gaining the extra hour in the fall was kind of nice—extra time to sleep in! My days of sleeping in are over though. In fact, sleeping through the night without interruption is a luxury these days.

Now that I have children, I dread the “spring forward” and “fall back” dates on the calendar. My children’s sleep patterns are disrupted and they turn into grumpy monsters for a few days. Not only does it disrupt sleep, but mealtime patterns are disrupted too. The clock may say one thing, but hungry little tummies say another.

Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday, November 4. This year, I’m going to try to prepare my kids ahead of time and hopefully will avoid some of the grumpiness that comes with suddenly setting the clock back an hour. Here are some ideas to help children adjust to the time change.

• Beginning several days ahead, help your child gradually shift his or her sleep time by pushing bedtime (and naps) later in 15 minute increments.
• End screen time at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
• Keep a regular bedtime routine.
• Be patient! The grumpiness will pass as everyone adjusts.