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Anyone else dreading the clocks going back?

15 replies

Summerdays2014 · 18/10/2016 19:30

So after my post the other day about Christmas, I've been thinking about the clock change today.. My son is 9 months and likes to wake up at 5.30 (sometimes earlier) I am now terrified he'll be up at 4.30 and the 'routine' (I use this term with a wry smile) will all go to pot...

Anyone with older children got any advice on how you deal with this?

OP posts:
CarrotPuff · 18/10/2016 20:49

You just do what you'd do if he woke at 4.30 - just treat it like early wake up.

SilverLinings2014 · 18/10/2016 22:21

I'm worried too summer. Sorry no tips. Don't remember what we did last year. DD (almost 2 yo) is a 5:45 riser. We've tried shifting bedtime by 10-15 mins every few nights but still she's waking at 5:45.

jellycat1 · 18/10/2016 22:25

Everything will just gradually shift up. Won't take long.

CarrotPuff · 19/10/2016 09:48

If you want to shift their sleep you have to shift their entire routine - naps, meals, etc.

The only thing that fixed the early wake ups for my DS was cutting his nap short (not for a 9mo, obviously, but might work for toddler).

You have my sympathy, early wake ups suck. DS went through a period of waking 5-5.30 almost every day, for 6 months Confused

CobsAhoy · 19/10/2016 19:52

Yep dreading it! Had 6 weeks of 5am starts recently, just managed to shift things forward to 6ish but will be back to square one when the clocks go back, gutted!

TheRedCarWon · 19/10/2016 19:56

Now my dc can tell the time to the nearest hour at least, and they understand that they're not to come out of their rooms until their clocks show 7am (unless they need the loo of course), I am looking forward to the clocks going back again!
We will have just come back from a holiday, which will involve a drive of about 8 hours (omg I'm actually dreading the journey), so, in theory, they'll be knackered and will stay asleep for the extra hour as well.

TheRedCarWon · 19/10/2016 20:00

As for the routine going to pot, just do what you normally do when he wakes early. Do everything about half an hour earlier than you normally would (honestly, 30 mins isn't going to make much of a difference re. mealtimes etc) and be as active as you can during the day so that he's tired for that night.
It might take a few days to adjust but then you'll fall into a new pattern.

chitofftheshovel · 19/10/2016 20:54

When mine were little I adjusted our routine by 15 minutes each day in the four days proceeding the clock change so that it didn't seem to be too big a shock. Gah, it's always a bugger to lose an hour, especially at this time of year. Good luck.

AnyFucker · 19/10/2016 20:58

When do the clocks go back anyone ? Ta.

MaudGonneMad · 19/10/2016 20:59

Last weekend in October

AnyFucker · 19/10/2016 21:00

Not this Sunday then ? Thank fuck.

Believeitornot · 19/10/2016 21:02

It all shifts so wouldn't worry.

I do however remember worrying about the first clock change with ds (he was a shit sleeper). It was fine.

Now we just do it all in one go. Either a gradual shift or a Big Bang approach means it takes a few days.

MrsNuckyThompson · 19/10/2016 21:04

I may love to regret this... But although I dislike clock change and it is usually hard for a day or two, it isn't usually as bad as I fear. Good luck!

Natsku · 19/10/2016 21:12

It all shifts back to normal eventually.

I'm looking forward to it actually as DD stays up to late and its a struggle to get her up in time in the morning (please don't hate me) but invariably she goes back to her usual routine after a week or so anyway.

ODog · 19/10/2016 21:57

In my experience it takes about a week for them to shift. I've never had a strict bedtime so moving 10-15mins wouldn't make any difference as it can vary by up to 3hrs depending on day, nap length/time etc. I think the general running of the whole day has to shift before they get it.

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