Many people are affected when the clock springs forward or falls back every year. However, kids with ADHD, learning differences or behavioral disorders, particularly those just about to enter or who are already in the puberty years, often suffer more than others. These daylight saving tips for parents may help when your child is struggling to sleep.
Keep to Regular Routines
When you're coping with your child with ADHD and time change at the same time, it's even more important that you keep to regular bedtime and morning routines. If your child eats, has a shower and reads before going to sleep, make sure that pattern is strictly followed during the days before and after DST. The same applies in the morning. Showering, getting dressed and eating breakfast should happen in the same order as it normally does.
Avoid Mental Stimulation Before Bedtime
For many children with ADHD and related conditions, the evening is the time when they are most mentally alert. This is usually fine during weekends, when kids can stay up later if their parents agree, but during the two weeks before and after the daylight saving time change when time springs forward, it's not advisable to let kids be too busy before bedtime. One way to make sure this happens is to avoid rowdy games, exciting TV programs, electronic devices and any other activities that may energize your child.
Adapt to the New Bedtime Hours
To get your child used to the switch to DST, it's best to start adjusting bedtime during the week before time springs forward. Get kids into bed 10 to 15 minutes before their usual bedtime so they get used to going to sleep while it's still fairly light outside. Gradually increase the time difference so that by the Sunday of time change, your kids have adapted. When it's fall back time, do the opposite — gradually move bedtime later.
Block the Light
Whether it's spring forward or fall back time, light either at bedtime or on waking can be a problem for kids with learning differences. Blackout shades may help to encourage sleep in the evening and prevent too early waking in the morning.
Communication is key when you're managing time change and behavior in kids with ADHD and processing disorder. Explain to them as simply as possible why you're putting them to bed a little earlier or later each night, and be patient with cranky, tired behavior for the week or so after DST.
To schedule an assessment for your child, or to learn more about how the Brain Balance Program can help your child reach their full potential, contact us online or find a center near you.
Enjoy These Related Articles
Common ADHD Sleep Issues
Tips For Managing ADHD
Sticking to a Schedule for Summer
