Daylight Saving Time – How do you manage that with young children?

Summer time: tips to make the transition easier

It is already almost time to change the clocks! Daylight saving time starts on Sunday 30 March 2025 at 2am. Changing the clock can cause panic in parents of young children, but don't worry - this is usually the easy transition! This change has much less impact on sleep. For early risers, this is a welcome change as they get an extra hour of sleep (temporarily)! And the positive: it means warmer, sunny days are coming. 

Here are your options!

1. The idea is simple: Move the clocks, and adjust your schedule to the "new" times the next day.

2. Mealtimes, naps, bedtime - just do everything at the normal clock time. It may take a few days for this to work out completely, but it will work itself out.

3. Suitable for: Parents who don't want to bother adjusting schedules, laid-back kids, or if you just forget about it!

30-minute shift: 2 days' preparation.

1. Two days before daylight saving time starts, shift the whole schedule (meals, naps, activities, bedtime) 30 minutes earlier.

2. One day before daylight saving time, shift everything another 30 minutes earlier (so that you have now moved the whole hour).

3. Move the clocks, and your child can just get on with the new time.

4. Suitable for: Children who do not cope well with major changes, but can handle a schedule adjustment without getting completely confused. Parents who like to plan ahead but want to be efficient.

15-minute shift: 4 days of preparation

1. Four days before daylight saving time starts, shift the whole schedule 15 minutes earlier.

2. Three days before daylight saving time, you shift everything another 15 minutes earlier.

3. Two days in advance... another 15 minutes earlier.

4. One day in advance another 15 minutes earlier. Now you are completely updated and your child is used to the new time when the clocks are changed.

5. Move the clocks, and just continue with your normal schedule!

6. Suitable for: Sensitive children who really cannot adapt well to changes in their schedule. Parents who downright panic about the time change and want to do something about it as soon as possible.

As always, if you find yourself struggling after this time change, feel free to contact us for support! You can immediately arrange a no-obligation introduction schedule or send an e-mail to info@uitgerustdedagin.nl.