"Spring Forward" takes place on Sunday, March 12, at 2:00 AM. We will "lose" that hour we "gained" last November.
It can take a few weeks for our bodies to adjust to the time change. To make it easier on young children, move bedtime 15 minutes earlier each night starting on Thursday before the change. This won't entirely solve the problem, but it could help.
The first Daylight Saving Time (DST) in the U.S. occurred 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 end dates vary.
Over the years, Daylight Saving Time in the United States has been repealed, reinstated, expanded, restricted, and experienced several name changes. The most recent change happened in the mid-2000s when the end of DST was adjusted from the last Sunday of October to the first Sunday of November to allow more daylight on Halloween for our trick-or-treaters.
In recent years, there has been much discussion over whether or not the U.S. should even continue with Daylight Saving Time (neither Arizona nor Hawaii participates). As a night owl, I prefer darker mornings and longer evenings. If we could skip the "Fall Back" part and make DST our permanent solution, I would be one happy mama. Parents of babies and toddlers with an earlier bedtime would probably disagree, but it could happen this year.
The Sunshine Protection Act, a Senate bill that would make daylight saving time permanent across the United States, passed by unanimous consent in the Senate last year. However, it stalled in the House and expired at the end of the year. Senator Marco Rubio has reintroduced the bill in the Senate, and Representative Vern Buchanan has introduced companion legislation in the House. If Congress passes both pieces, the bill will go to the White House, where President Biden could sign it to make it law or veto it.
I use Daylight Saving Time as my reminder for some easily-forgotten semi-annual household chores. After I change the four clocks we have that do not automatically adjust (microwave, stove, coffee pot, and car), I spend some time on the following:
- Change the batteries in our smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.
- Review and practice fire escape and family disaster plans.
- Inspect our vehicles' tires, headlights, taillights, and brake lights.
- Inspect tires, brakes, and reflectors on bicycles and scooters (which will be in more frequent use soon enough).
- Turn and flip our mattresses.
- Check our medicines, vitamins, and first aid kits, setting expired items aside for the next Prescription Drug Take-Back Day and restocking.
- Schedule needed doctor and dentist appointments.
- Hit the Clearance racks at our favorite clothing stores. Spring and summer fashions are coming in, and the stores must move out their winter stock as quickly as possible!
