Helping Kids Understand Daylight Savings Time

Here in the US, we’ve arrived at the time of year when daylight saving time (DST) rolls around.

Daylight Savings Time (DST) can be confusing not only for adults but also for kids! Twice a year, we either “spring forward” or “fall back,” changing our clocks by one hour. At our house, it usually takes a good week to adjust, and it may take my dog longer than that...

Many parents may find themselves wondering how to explain this concept to their children. The clock changes can be confusing, and kids often struggle to understand why they’re suddenly going to bed when it’s still light outside or waking up in darkness.

 Here are some tips to help you break it down for them!

1. Start with the Basics

Begin by explaining what daylight saving time is in simple terms. You might say, “Daylight saving time is when we change our clocks to make better use of the sunlight in the evenings. In spring, we move the clocks forward one hour so we can enjoy more daylight after school. In the fall, we turn the clocks back an hour to get back that lost hour of sleep.” (Ok, if we have to do it at all, “Fall Behind” is my favorite one. Just saying.)

2. Use Visuals

Kids often understand concepts better with visuals. You can draw a simple timeline showing the clock changes throughout the year. Illustrate the longer days of summer and shorter days of winter. You might even create a chart that shows what time it is when they wake up and go to bed, both before and after the time change.

3. Relate to Their Routine

Help your child connect the change to their daily routine. For instance, you could say, “When we change the clocks in the spring, it will stay light outside longer after dinner. This means we can play outside longer!” In the fall, you might add, “When the clocks go back, it means we’ll get to sleep a little longer in the morning, which is nice!”

4. Address Their Concerns

Some kids may feel anxious about the time change, especially if it affects their bedtime or wake-up routine. Reassure them that it’s okay to feel a bit off at first. Explain that it might take a few days to adjust but that their bodies will get used to the new schedule. You could also suggest a gradual adjustment by moving bedtime and wake time by 15 minutes each day leading up to the change.

5. Make It Fun

Turn the time change into a fun family activity! You could plan a special event, like an evening picnic or a movie night, to celebrate the longer daylight hours in spring. In the fall, you might enjoy a cozy morning together, sipping hot cocoa as you adjust to the darker mornings.

6. Keep It Positive

Emphasize the benefits of DST, such as more time for outdoor activities and family fun. This positive framing can help your child view the time change as an exciting opportunity rather than a confusing interruption.

By explaining daylight saving time in simple, relatable terms, you can help your child understand and adapt to the changes with ease. With a little patience and creativity, you can turn this annual adjustment into a learning opportunity and a fun family experience.

Happy clock changing!