How to prepare for the clocks going back?

Are you ready for the clocks to go back?

Making the most of the longer summer days in the northern hemisphere is done through the use of daylight saving time. As the end of October approaches us, so does the end of the British Summer. In the UK the clocks go forward 1 hour at 1am on the last Sunday in March, and back 1 hour at 2am on the last Sunday in October.  This year, the clocks will go back on Sunday, October 29. Changing the clocks has been a bi-annual practice since the Summer Time Act was introduced in 1916, and it aims to give all of us as much access to sunlight exposure across the year as possible.

Adjusting to the new times

For adults, this may only be a small inconvenience, but for children, especially young ones, it may have a substantial effect on sleep habits. However, it is possible to effectively handle the time change with your child with some planning and patience. 

1. Slowly adjust bedtimes and wake-up times, therefore you can gradually and smoothly get adjusted to the time changes.

2. Maintain your daily routines. It is easy to feel less productive when the nights become darker earlier. Keeping up with your routines allows your children to be productive and entertained.

3. Create a sleep-friendly environment

Prepare

With shorter days and darker nights many parents around the country will be implementing earlier curfews which creates the need for indoor entertainment.

But don't worry, we've got a few ideas to help you beat the wintertime blues and still get some fresh air. We tend to believe that because it gets darker earlier, we should all stay indoors and just watch TV. However, you should never stop doing things just because the days are becoming shorter.  The transitional period between Autumn and Winter is the ideal time of year to go outside and enjoy the stunning surroundings, and the air is also so crisp and clean! 

Visit your local parks and see the leaves changing. Why not try visiting your local national trusts for some fun and some history? Keep in mind that there will be a tonne of fun stuff opening up very soon, such as outdoor ice rinks and Christmas markets, and go for walks or unwind in a heated beer garden. 

If you don’t fancy heading out then another great idea for this time of year is to plan a dinner party with friends and family. 

The possibilities for cosiness have simply multiplied and Indoor crafts and movie nights are our go-to.

Staying safe throughout the darker evenings

The shorter days can have a significant effect. But we still go about our daily lives, picking up the kids from playdates or after-school programs, riding home from work, and walking the dog. Children must be observed by other pedestrians as well as other drivers and cyclists. Teaching your kids sound principles of driving safety at a young age is essential and the key to keeping your children safe. Always remember to Stop, Look, and Listen before crossing any roads to be safe. Headphones and mobile phones can greatly affect your vigilance and children should be always aware of their surroundings if they are alone.

Parents can advise their children to stay on well-lit roads and walks rather than through pitch-black parks or abandoned alleyways, even if it takes a little bit longer. You should also always make sure you walk on the right side of the road, If there is no pavement, keep to the right-hand side of the road so that you can see oncoming traffic. You should take extra care and be prepared to walk in single file, especially on narrow roads or in poor light. It is worth checking out our reflective clothing to help children be seen in low light.

Lastly, there is always safety in numbers, if it is getting dark we would always advise traveling with someone.

Editorial Disclaimer: This article was updated 13.10.2023

Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, and not those of any other company. This article has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any organisation.