Getting It Together for Daylight Savings

Source: http://www.parentingteensonline.com/UserFiles/File/Emails/Mar0801.html

Spring ahead! Sure, but switching over to Daylight Savings this weekend is easier said than done. If you don’t want your teens (and you) hollow-eyed and exhausted come Monday morning, follow these good tips from Dr. Michael J. Breus and pass them onto your neighbors; you will all be happier!

1. Get ready. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, make a deal with your teens to go to bed 30 minutes earlier than normal.
2. No napping (you included!) over the weekend.
3. Get your teen to change his sheets and pillowcase for optimal good sleep.
4. No caffeine (or nicotine or alcohol for you) this weekend.
5. Get out and exercise with your teen. Regular exercise relieves tension, uses excess energy and helps the mind unwind after a busy day, allowing for restful, uninterrupted sleep.
6. Make your teen promise to turn off the computer, cellphone, video game, and any other devices in her room and “power down” for some relaxing time for 20 minutes before bed. A little quiet music is okay, but if rap is all she’ll listen to, then opt for silence.

For more tips, go to “Late to Bed, Late to Rise”.