After weeks of hibernating and spending time loathing the frigid winter conditions, Daylight Saving Time (DST) has finally come to our rescue to deliver a much-needed reprieve. On Sunday, March 12, at 2 a.m., we’ll be gifted with the opportunity to reset our physical (and internal) clocks and “spring forward” into the season ahead. And sure, we’ll initially lose out on an hour of sleep that day, but what we’re gaining in extended daylight and recuperation is well worth the exchange.
Daylight Saving Time is a seasonal adjustment that can feel like temporary jet lag. It generally affects our sleep patterns, mood, and productivity and can throw off our daily routines. While the change may leave us feeling groggy and disoriented while we shake the sleep from our eyes, a little bit of provocativeness can help us better ease into this new time change to make the most of our days.
When DST begins this year, our bodies will feel it first. We all have an internal clock, also known as the circadian rhythm, that regulates our sleep-wake cycle, hormone production, and other bodily functions. When we "spring forward" and lose an hour of sleep, our circadian rhythm is disrupted, and our bodies may struggle to adjust to the new schedule. This can result in feelings of fatigue, moodiness, and difficulty concentrating in the first few days of the time shift. Thankfully, with longer and brighter days ahead of us, adjusting to the change can be a smooth ride with a little preparation.
In the case of gradually settling into the new time change, we’ve got you covered. To kick off daylight saving, we’ve put together a few tips to get you prepped to spring forward and get ahead of the clock.
Make Small Adjustments Now:
If you’re wondering when the best time to start bracing yourself for the time change is, the answer is: right now. The more leeway you give yourself to gradually adjust your sleep schedule and daily routine to the time change, the better. Adjust your bedtime and meal time by 15-30 minutes each night leading up to the time shift to slowly give your body the notice that a new schedule is on the horizon. It may feel like you’re body will already know it’s coming, but any extra prep you give yourself, your body will thank you for.
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Start Your Day With the Sun:
When daylight saving begins, how you start your day will make all the difference. Early exposure to sunlight can help regulate our circadian rhythms and act as a great way to get your body to adapt to the new range of daylight and time change. Going on a morning walk, sunbathing at sunrise, or simply opening up your blinds to let natural light in can be a few easy ways to get your internal clock reset and ready to take on the day.
Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine:
The best days typically start the night before. So when it comes to daylight saving time, getting your bedtime routine on lock can signal to your body that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep. Try to establish a relaxing bedtime routine that includes activities such as reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practicing deep breathing or meditation. This can help you fall asleep more easily and adjust to the new time change.
Awaken Your Mind and Body:
Embrace the power of daylight saving as an opportunity to revitalize your fitness routine and mindfulness practices. This new season is an amazing opening to awaken your senses as your body shakes off the frost, as well as to warm up your body from the inside out. So tap into it. By prioritizing regular exercise and incorporating self-care throughout your day, you'll not only elevate your physical health and align with the change that’s in the air. Remember to allow yourself ample time to wind down before bedtime, meditate, and let the magic of being in the present do wonders on both your body and mind.
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Tweak Your Eating Schedule:
When it comes to daylight saving prep, even the smallest adjustments to your dinner time can make a difference. Remember, this time change is tricky and can make us feel foggy in our approach to the way we normally incorporate our habits and routine. So give yourself the advantage by adjusting your dinnertime three days in advance. By doing so, you can help your body smoothly adapt to the shift in time.
Small changes can make a big difference in how you feel, so take control of your habits and be mindful of when and how you nourish yourself.
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The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:
Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
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Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
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