Confessions of a night owl: spring ahead is HARD! Not only do I "forget" to go to bed earlier, but my kids' sleep schedules are unpredictable for at least a week, and I often don’t know what time it is because I usually forget to change the clock in my car. It never fails, that is the one clock I overlook... for days... and sometimes longer!
Glad to know I'm in good company:
Thank you, Daylight Savings Time... https://t.co/BVMU0Oktrc pic.twitter.com/lQHDZqjZfh
— The Tonight Show (@FallonTonight) November 2, 2014
Why do we have daylight saving time ... and should it continue?
If you have a kid with a lot of questions, like I do, you might face this question: Why do we set our clocks ahead an hour in March?
The first Daylight Saving Time (DST) in the U.S. took place in 1918 during World War I, although Canada first used it in 1908 and Germany, in 1916, was the first country to use it nationwide. Today over 70 countries implement Daylight Saving Time, although the beginning and ending dates vary.
Over the years, Daylight Saving Time in the United States has been repealed, reinstated, expanded, restricted, and experienced a number of name changes. As of 2014, all states in the United States of America, with the exceptions of Arizona and Hawaii, begin DST on the second Sunday of March. The end date was adjusted to the first Sunday of November to allow more daylight on Halloween for trick-or-treaters.
But why has it continued? Well, that's up for debate. The practice saves energy, prevents traffic accidents, and reduces crime, according to the Department of Transportation, which, believe it or not, is in charge of Daylight Saving Time. (A 2020 study proved at least one of those statements wrong, showing fatal crashes went up 6% in the United States during the time after Daylight Saving Time occurred.)
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine also says the practice should be abolished and has lobbied for the U.S. to eliminate daylight saving time in favor of a year-round standard time.
While I don't want to come down one way or another on this subject, I would say ending daylight saving time would really help parents like me with bedtime in the summer. It would end the wails of "But it’s not even dark yet, Mom!”
So, “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.
Getty Images Signature via Canva
Get out the jokes
What does a clock do when it's hungry? It goes back four seconds! | Why did the girl throw the clock out the window? Because she wanted to see time fly. |
Why didn’t the clock work? It needed a hand. | When does a clock strike thirteen? When it's broken! |
What time does a duck wake up? At the quack of dawn. |
Welcomia via Canva
Check your smoke detectors!
On a more serious note the time change — both in the fall and the spring — is a great natural reminder to do important chores around your house like these:
- Change the batteries in your smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.
- Review and practice fire escape and family disaster plans.
- Inspect tires, headlights, taillights, and brake lights on all your vehicles.
- Inspect tires, brakes, and reflectors on bicycles and 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.
Quick links to get you where you want to go:
Macaroni Kid Duluth, Norcross, Suwanee, Johns Creek, Peachtree Corners is published weekly to keep parents "in the know" about great activities in our area for the kids. Subscribe to our e-newsletter so you don't miss a thing and be eligible to enter our giveaways! If you already subscribe, help us spread the word to others!
Get social with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest! Sharing is caring, share us with your friends and family today!
