Have you ever struggled with the bi-annual time change? Every year, we turn our clocks forward one hour in the spring and back one hour in the fall, disrupting our sleep schedules and leaving us feeling groggy and disoriented. While this may seem like a minor inconvenience for adults, the time change can have a significant impact on children and their parents.

Research has shown that children are particularly sensitive to changes in their sleep patterns. The time change can disrupt their internal clock and lead to sleep disturbances, which can affect their mood, behavior, and ability to concentrate. For parents, this can mean dealing with cranky, overtired children who may have trouble getting ready for school or daycare in the morning.

In addition to the sleep disruptions, the time change can also pose safety risks for children. In the fall, when we turn our clocks back one hour, it gets darker earlier in the evening, which can make it more difficult for children to see and be seen by drivers. This can increase the risk of accidents, particularly for children who walk or bike to school or play outside in the evenings.

Given these concerns, many experts have called for an end to the bi-annual time change. Some states and countries have already made the switch to permanent standard time or permanent daylight saving time, eliminating the need to adjust clocks twice a year.

While there are differing opinions on whether permanent standard time or permanent daylight saving time is the best option, what is clear is that the current system of bi-annual time changes is not working for everyone. Children and their parents are particularly vulnerable to the disruptions caused by the time change, and the potential safety risks cannot be ignored.

As we continue to debate the future of the time change, it’s important to consider the impact on children and their families. Ultimately, our goal should be to create a system that supports the health and well-being of everyone in our communities, including our youngest and most vulnerable members.

I know me and my family would be a lot happier if we could just pick a time and stay with it. My body can’t take the feeling of jet lag without the vacation that comes with it.