Daylight Savings, Time Change Sleep Plan for Kids 2-8

Description

The clocks change, and suddenly bedtime is a battle and your child is up at 5:30 a.m. This simple, printable plan helps your child adjust to daylight saving time, keeps early mornings from taking over, and supports YOU through the tired week in between. For kids ages 2-8.

Created by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who has worked in ABA since 2007.

✦ CHOOSE THE PLAN THAT FITS YOUR WEEK ✦
• OPTION A: THE GRADUAL SHIFT. Start 4-6 days before the time change and move your child’s schedule in small 15-minute steps, with a day-by-day example and space to write your own times.
• OPTION B: THE LAST-MINUTE PLAN. Time change already here? Split the difference for a few nights so your child isn’t overtired, then ease back to the usual bedtime.

✦ NO MORE 5:30 A.M. WAKE-UPS ✦
Early waking is the most common struggle after “fall back.” The “Wait for the Clock” plan shows you how to teach your child to stay in their room until wake-up time, and how to gradually move that time later. Includes a printable “Is It Time to Get Up?” clock chart with sticker spots.

✦ SUPPORT FOR YOU, TOO ✦
“When You’re Tired, Too” is an ACT-based parent reset page. Notice the thoughts and feelings that show up (“They’ll never adjust,” “I’m doing this wrong”), make room for them, remember the parent you want to be, and choose your next move, even when self-doubt comes along for the ride.

✦ WHAT’S INSIDE (10 pages) ✦
• Why the time change is so hard for kids
• Option A: Gradual Shift plan + example schedule
• Option B: Last-Minute plan + scripts
• “When You’re Tired, Too” parent reset
• The “Wait for the Clock” early-waking plan
• Printable “Is It Time to Get Up?” clock chart
• 7-night time change tracker
• Spring Forward plan for March
• When it’s still hard: next steps

✦ USE IT TWICE A YEAR ✦
Fall back in November, spring forward in March. Print it again each time the clocks change.

✦ DETAILS ✦
• Instant digital download: 1 PDF, 10 pages
• US Letter size (8.5″ x 11″). Print at home or at a print shop
• Print as many copies as you need for your own family
• No physical item will be shipped

✦ PLEASE NOTE ✦
This plan is for typical schedule adjustment and behavioral bedtime struggles. It is not a treatment for medical or sleep disorders. If you notice loud or frequent snoring, pauses in breathing, pain, or extreme daytime sleepiness, please talk with your child’s healthcare provider.

✦ TERMS OF USE ✦
For personal, single-family use only. Please do not share, resell, or redistribute. Professionals: please contact me about a license for use with multiple families.

✦ YOU MAY ALSO LIKE ✦
End the Bedtime Battle: 3 step-by-step plans for the child who gets out of bed, needs you to fall asleep, or stalls with endless requests.
Consequence Chart for Kids: a parent guide to responses that teach.

Values Driven Behavior: Guided by science. Driven by values. 💛