As we were driving to the gym this morning, Ryan commented about how bright it was outside. I reminded him that we turned back the clocks Saturday night, which meant we had light earlier in the morning. (Unfortunately, night would then fall earlier.) We checked the newspaper and saw that the sun set after 5:00 p.m.  As I look back, I think of some of the unique tools that I used over the years to ease this transition and embrace “falling back.”

Develop a Tradition: Each year, Ryan and I turn back the clocks in the house and car by one hour. Also, we replace the batteries in our smoke alarms as well as our flashlights. We talk again about the importance of safety routines in the home. It’s a great opportunity to engage your child(ren) in an activity and conversation!

Do Something Special: With an extra hour on Sunday, do something special together. As a youngster, I often took Ryan to a ball park, Chuck E. Cheese or the Children’s Museum. Yesterday, we went to see the movie “Gravity.”

Embrace the Time: With the hustle and bustle of the upcoming holiday season, we all need to take a few deep breaths and refresh our minds and hearts. I encourage you to use this reminder of “falling back” in time to fall back into something you enjoy, like a hobby or coffee with a friend. You could even simply take a few moments to yourself to give thanks for all you’re grateful for.

What tips do you have for parents during the fall time change? I would love to hear your ideas.