We will see more light in the evening hours beginning this Sunday (March 10) as you are reminded to move your clock forward at 2 a.m.

While it may feel more spring-like with the extended daylight hours, the loss of sleep can be a difficult transition for babies, children, and even adults.

Marina MacLeod, Registered Nurse and Mama Coach shares 'springing ahead' seems to be harder on the general population than 'falling back.' Recommending families start transitioning now, is her best advice. "It can totally throw schedules off, not only with kids but the whole family. With spring ahead we encourage gradual change; so do it over three days and three nights by a 30-minute adjustment."

MacLeod shares bumping up by a half hour gradually will make everyone less cranky, including yourself. "For example, if morning nap is at 9 o'clock with the time change that will be 10 o'clock, so just split the difference and put them to bed at 9:30 new time. Which is technically 8:30 old time, so it is a half hour earlier then what they are used to, but do it for three days including afternoon nap and bedtime. Then on day four they will be ready and better adjusted to move back to the regular time of 9 o'clock new time."

It can be a little confusing, states MacLeod, but it can make a big difference in how everyone handles the time shift, and it is not just 'boom' all at once on Sunday night and into Monday morning.

Another pointer, MacLeod shares is darkening rooms to help with the extra light coming in. "Try to close blinds after supper and get the evening lighting going by making sure their sleeping environment is as dark as it can be while they are transitioning to the new time. Even if you don't have blackout blinds, use tin foil or cover the window with construction paper...whatever you have."

If you try to keep routines status quo and just bump up your timing by a half hour, it will make everyone better adjusted.

Although Edmonton MLA Thomas Dang looked to abolish the ongoing flip flop in time change a few years ago, a petition was tabled and never brought back. Even though the feedback seemed to have good support from Albertans, Banff-Cochrane, MLA Cameron Westhead shares the debate on whether to drop daylight savings time will depend largely on our neighbours. "The general conclusion the legislature reached is that we would consider this again once we have agreement from neighbouring jurisdictions to make the change simultaneously. There were major concerns expressed during the significant consultations that were undertaken regarding national and international commerce and flight schedules for airlines if Alberta were to move ahead in isolation."

If you would like more information about how to best handle the daylight savings transition, go HERE.

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