Springing ahead isn't always easy! Not only do I "forget" to go to bed earlier, but my kids' sleep schedules are unpredictable for at least a few days after the start of daylight savings time.
Come Saturday night March 7th, 2026 your child will likely ask why you need to set the clock ahead an hour. Well, the short answer is that daylight saving time is starting. The long answer is to explain WHY we have daylight saving time in the first place.
Daylight saving first occurred during World War I to save electricity in the evening because it gave us an extra hour of daylight after work in the summer months. There is some disagreement about whether the trouble of getting SO many people to adjust to a new time is worth the savings -- I’m definitely just along for the ride on that one. However, if we were to stop DST, it would really help me out with bedtime in the summer! “But it’s not dark yet, Mom!”
If that’s not enough info for your little inquisitor, you can read more about daylight saving time in general and DST in the United States on Wikipedia (I thought it was interesting to read about how some states have handled it ... especially those smart folks in Arizona who said "forget that!")
So, on Saturday night, before you go to bed, “spring ahead” an hour and remember that your kids are probably going to get up at the same time as usual, so go to bed early and get ready for whatever surprises your wee ones have in store.
The beginning (and end) of daylight-saving time is great time of year to ...
The beginning (and end) of daylight-saving time is great time of year to ...
- Find the one clock you own that does not turn itself back/ahead automatically (stove, coffee pot, microwave, or car most likely).
- Change the batteries in your smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. ** This is extremely important**
- Review and practice fire escape and family disaster plans.
- Inspect tires, headlights, taillights, and brake lights on all your vehicles and bicycles/scooters.
- Turn and flip your mattresses.
- Check your medicines, vitamins, and first aid kits, replacing expired items and restocking items that have been used.
- Schedule needed doctor and/or dentist appointments.
Spring Ahead!!
