Dear Mr. President,
I know you may have a few other things on your agenda, and I wouldn’t write unless this was of the utmost importance. This issue needs your immediate attention. Now.
I am writing to implore you to rethink the archaic system of Daylight Saving Time. I realize that it may make sense for the farmers. It may make sense for the scientists needing early sun. It may even make sense for the working professionals wanting a couple hours of sunlight after work. But what about us, the parents? It has been wrecking havoc on my life and I simply will not stand for it.
For the past few nights, my kids haven’t been tired until well past ten. And by well past, I mean close to 11. They want to sleep until eight. Getting them out of the door to school has been hell. I have to literally drag them out of bed and force breakfast down their throats. Teeth brushing? There simply wasn’t time this morning. They go through their days like zombies, falling asleep in the afternoon and somehow catching a second wind after dinner.
It has sucked.
Sure, I love the lazy days of summer. I love the late dinners and trips to the pool after dusk as much as the next person. But at this cost? I’ll gladly give them up. It’s simply not worth it.
As a father, I trust you’ll see things my way and take some action. You need to take some action. Or, just take my kids. They’re super cute most of the time.
I beg you.
Thank you for your consideration,
Scary Mommy
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{ 85 comments }
I AGREE!!
.-= Erin´s last blog ..The importance of Mojo =-.
Speak it girl!
.-= LoveFeast Table´s last blog ..Peanut Butter Cookie Days =-.
Ah, I’m going to have the petition the president on behalf of daylight savings time. I have no kids, and therefore get only the benefit of it being light longer after work.
I can take pictures after work! This is very exciting. Especially because I don’t understand using the flash. So that’s a big deal.
Anyway, I hope our friendship can survive this deep division of opinion.
.-= Megan (Best of Fates)´s last blog ..Light in the Piazza =-.
I don’t know… This has become a key issue for me. Not sure if I can cross party lines. ;)
Well said!
A-MEN! My kids are profoundly (and annoyingly) affected by Daylight Saving Time, and they aren’t even school-aged yet. I cringe just thinking about what it’ll be like once my oldest starts Kindergarten in the fall!
Not just “Yes,” but “HELL yes!”
.-= Daddy Scratches´s last blog ..Home alone =-.
I’m with Megan, and quite selfishly. There is nothing more depressing than not seeing daylight the whole day through. But I’m weak like that. :-)
.-= LiLu´s last blog ..So Basically, I Almost Died Yesterday. =-.
Before I had kids, I totally agreed. Now? It’s a nightmare!
Sigh. Sadly, my routine has been much like yours the last few days. May have to consider electric shock therapy to get kids moving in the morning. Or to wipe out my memory of the last few days. Not sure which I would prefer at this point.
Can you add a P.S to that letter and request that he mandate implementation of a no expense delivery system via every single solitary local Starbucks Coffee Company to all said parents that are being forced to suffer tthrough this neanderthal way of living? It’s the very least they can do.
.-= The Grasshoppa: Triplet Plus Two Momma´s last blog ..24 of the Kid-Free Kind =-.
Yes. When my letter is Express mailed to the White House, I will add that P.S. It is the least they can do.
Wait, wait, wait! Not that I don’t totally agree with you on DST, but…. it isn’t Ben Franklin’s fault! He gets erroneously blamed for inventing DST because he wrote a piece for a French newspaper back in the 1700s that satirized the concept of daylight savings. Yes, it’s true – he didn’t invent it, he MOCKED it.
The real villian in this case is some Kiwi entemologist who actually proposed the idea and got it pushed through so that he could have more summertime daylight with which to collect bugs. For real!
(Um, I didn’t just *know* this – I googled it yesterday for a blog post I was working on. I’m not *that* much of a nerd. Honest.)
Gasp! You’re RIGHT!!! So this is all for BUGS?!
I *know*!! Stupid BUGS!!
.-= Heather @ nobody-but-yourself´s last blog ..DST = Darn Stupid Theory =-.
agreed! my 2yo slept until 9 yesterday, then wouldnt nap – fell asleep in his highchair at 615 and protested bed time. i’d gladly give up the hour in the fall as that just makes my kids want to get up earlier!
Yes, please, this particular change has really fried my system!
.-= Cranky Sarah´s last blog ..To tell or not to tell =-.
I have to say, as a mom with kids who NEVER sleep past 6, DST has been wonderful to me! I’ve been able to sleep until 7! Woo Hoo! But, come October I’ll definitely be petitioning for doing away with it all. And it is archaic- that’s for sure!
Great pic!
.-= Becca´s last blog ..I’ve moved!!! =-.
Oh no! I have been looking forward to this for months. I’m stuck in an office all day…natural sunlight after 5PM is a beautiful thing.
I hope we can still be friends :)
P.S. Congrat on the mention in the NYT article. I just read it this morning! :)
I say we split the difference and leave it the same all the time. What’s thirty minutes? Not much.
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..Coming out of the in between =-.
Okay, I have to defend the farmers as the time changes does NOT make sense for them. They would still have to get up in the dark morning hours to do their chores — animals can’t tell time and therefore don’t know that it’s time to get up. Case in point: 2 mornings later and my dogs STILL haven’t figured out that we are getting up and feeding them at a different time. Which means they are NOT waking me up in the morning, which also means I’m getting up 30 minutes late.
Honestly, I don’t care if we are on daylight savings time or standard time, can we just STOP switching?? Pick one and let’s stick with it.
My favorite part of that? “As a father…” You clever little thing, you.
Lord, the morning routine. Brutal. At the very least, they should start DST on a Friday so that we can enjoy the late sleeping WEEKEND mornings for a couple days. No?
.-= Cindy S´s last blog ..Hey, Robert! Is that my jacket? =-.
Agreed. The rest of the world can spring forward, but I for one, would like to stay in bed, thank you very much. I don’t like my face with dark circles! xoxo
.-= RLG´s last blog ..Where Have I Been? =-.
Here here!! :)
.-= Marylin´s last blog ..As requested… =-.
Nerd? Who is she calling a NERD? Geek, maybe – but not a NERD!!!
.-= lceel´s last blog ..More Meanders – Kinda =-.
DST has been kicking my own butt in addition to my children’s. I just want to sleep all day! And all this so someone could collect bugs????? Ugh….
But the pic is too cute. I feel like doing that right now, but me sleeping in my chair at work won’t be that cute!
In the off chance your letter dosen’t bring change we can all move to Arizona, no DST there. Thank you American Indians! Hawaii has no DST either.
That zombie-like persona, sleeping on a chair? yeah, that’s me at work during lunch…well, after lunch too.
I am SO tired. DST is ridiculous!
.-= Kmama´s last blog ..A Giveaway! =-.
The last couple of days have been AWFUL!!!
.-= MamaOtwins+1´s last blog ..Slipcover of life =-.
I’m having a hard time dragging my own butt out of bed. It’s 9:26 am right now on the west coast and John is STILL asleep.
My point? I totally agree! :)
.-= angie´s last blog ..Bloggy Book Exchange Link Up =-.
Agree! The past few days, Starbucks has been consumed in my house at an alarmng rate!
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..Giveaway or to Not Giveaway…That is the Question =-.
The change in sleep patterns has not only effected my kids but the damn raccoons outside my house. Someone needs to tell their sorry assess that dumpter diving at 3am will NOT be tolerated!
DST should start the 1st day of summer break… and end the last day of summer break!
.-= Shannon´s last blog ..Table Topics Tuesday: My idea of exercise is running the dishwasher. =-.
Feeling your pain!!!! This morning my child had to eat dry cereal on the way to school b/c we were running so behind. I hope we all get adjusted sooner rather than later!
.-= “Cookie”´s last blog ..Who has the right? =-.
I like the idea of day light savings, but like you I don’t like the affects it has on my children. On a regular day, I nearly have to drag them out of bed. School will nearly be out before they adjust.
.-= LaTonya´s last blog ..Reading Is Still Fundamental! =-.
Oh yeah, I’m sure that worked. :) Been suffering here as well – forget the kids – what about me????
.-= Lori´s last blog ..Not a Witty Update =-.
Right there with ya! At the very least, just wait until June 1st or something. We only really want the longer days for the summer anyway. Right now, we want sleep.
.-= Jo Anna´s last blog ..IT’S NATIONAL PI DAY — AS IN 3.14, NOT APPLE, BUT WE MADE THE LATTER JUST THE SAME =-.
AMEN.
My son took his afternoon nap at 6 pm yesterday.
.-= Zak´s last blog ..It Smells Like A Tropical Fruit Because It Is A Tropical Fruit *DUH* =-.
I so hear you on this…
Nolan usually takes his morning nap at 11am. It’s nearly 3pm.
.-= Sarcastica´s last blog ..Of videos and huge ass needles =-.
This is so true and for some reason my girls have never been as put off by this missing hour as they have been this time around, which is weird because they are older.
I mean I am certainly not having any problems falling asleep an hour earlier….not at all, but seeing 11pm on the clock when they finally fall asleep is PURE insanity!!
.-= Sadie at heyMamas´s last blog ..Baby texting steps =-.
I was thinking that DST hasn’t really affected the child sleeping habits in my house but then I realized that as I type this comment my daughter is singing VERY loudly during what is supposed to be her nap time.
.-= Catherine @ Evolving Mommy´s last blog ..Mommy Tug-O-War =-.
I wish I could post pics in the comments b/c I’d be showing you the exact same pic, but the girl version. Here, Here!
.-= Kim´s last blog ..Project Stairway: From Blech to Better =-.
You’d think it’s just one measly little hour, what harm could it possibly do? But it’s like the proverbial butterfly wing reverberating through parenting routines and Starbucks profit margins everywhere.
.-= Stacia´s last blog ..The Playroom Puzzle =-.
I second your sentiments! Now it will take at least 2 weeks of struggling to get back on a “normal” schedule.
.-= T Rex Mom´s last blog ..School Project/Giveaway… =-.
This doesn’t happen until this weekend in England and I’m really looking forward to it….not!!!!
.-= Emma´s last blog ..Honey, Don’t bother Mummy, I’m too busy on my Soapbox!!!! =-.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I wrote about this myself on Monday about George Vernon Hudson. It sure wasn’t a mother who thought, Hmmmm. Why don’t we deprive our children of an hour of sleep smack dab in the middle of cold and flu season!
.-= Jane´s last blog ..Curses You, George Vernon Hudson! =-.
I kinda like my daylights savings…. don’t hate me.
.-= Kim @ Beautiful Wreck´s last blog ..Random Tuesday Thoughts: Don’t Be Jealous of My Boogie =-.
AMEN!! We got lucky and spring break fell on this week so we didn’t have to worry so much about getting up and getting to school on time. It would have been rough since she hasn’t gotten up before 8 once this week. I hear you on the 11 o’clock thing. My kiddo’s been up that late this week too. ARGH.
.-= Jackie Lee´s last blog ..Garden Planning Preschool Style [Project] =-.
Ohhh, I live for Springing Forward! ..and I am a mom of two children. I could agree with you if you were petitioning to not “Fall Back” ;)
Aww, what a cute picture.
I’m telling you! The man wanted change so much, start with the freaking things everyone will agree with you on!
.-= Frugal Vicki´s last blog ..WINNER:The Lightkeeper’s Daughter Review & GIVEAWAY! =-.
I live among farmers. It doesn’t make sense to them, either. And really, unless daylight savings could actually give me more hours, not just more “daylight hours,” then I’d be all for it. As it is, I saw we just let time be time.
.-= Meg´s last blog ..Happy Birthday, K! =-.
I used to like this time of year since my children who insisted on waking me every morning at 5:00 a.m. would HAVE TO sleep until 6:00. But now we have the bedtime complication. In about 30 minutes, I’ll have to convince everyone that it’s time to brush teeth when their internal timers are insisting that the night is young. And Chris will be home late tonight. Sigh.
I will sign that bill! I have absolutely no power but I have considered moving to one of the few states that don’t do the whole daylight saving crap just so I don’t have to suffer any further!
.-= Michelle Pixie´s last blog ..My First And Last Time =-.
I don’t know how my kids are still going to bed at 7:30pm but I know I am still messed up especially in the morning {can’t seem to drag myself out of bed}!
Yes, Mr. President, this to her. We parents could so do without time changes.
Ben Franklin. We give him so much credit, and sure, he had some good ideas, but REALLLLLLY. Ugh. I’d have sooner given him the turkey as our national bird over DST. Wishing you all rest, REAL rest, soon.
.-= Cheryl´s last blog ..Green Day =-.
It’s such an outdated custom or whatever you want to call it. Time to be done with it.
.-= Michelle @ Italian Mama Chef´s last blog ..Chicken with olives and tomatoes =-.
Amen!
I will gladly sign that petition!
.-= Missy´s last blog .. =-.
Yeah, but the extra evening daylight is cool.
Lukas is having issues too. Hate the transition but like the daylight.
.-= Seattledad (Luke, I am Your Father)´s last blog ..Madness Begins Early =-.
You brush your kids’ teeth in the morning????
.-= Mama Kat´s last blog ..Honey, Don’t Bother With The New York Times. They’re Too Busy Slamming Your Mommy. =-.
Oh the poor mama. Seriously, is there anything worse than your kid NOT GOING TO SLEEP UNTIL 11!! Totally not cool in my world. Wouldn’t happen. Not gonna fly.
Good luck turning those kiddos around, Scary.
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..Liar Update: The Harvest =-.
I totally agree I think daylight savings needs to be retired. All it does is screw everything up. My kids did not go to bed until almost 11 as well. And I feel like a total zombie! Like mommies can afford to lose yet another hour of sleep.
.-= This Mama Works It!´s last blog ..Resources To Help You Sell Children’s Clothes On Ebay =-.
I can relate but I have a different issue, my youngest will not go to bed and then wakes up at 4am. My boys have never had issues in the past with daylight savings time but it’s throwing us for a loop this go around. I need sleep!!!
oh man – I just wrote a post on this very issue. I DETEST the time change. HATE it actually! Other countries do not – DO NOT – do this – it is completely unnecessary!! It whacked me out for weeks!! For instance – want to know what time I got up this morning? 9:30 – in the morning – I feel like a freak – I’m walking around my house . . . lost!!
.-= Tiaras & Tantrums´s last blog ..I happen to think the time zone change is for the birds =-.
Have you actually sent this to the President and Congress? Please tell me you have! And if you haven’t, step to it, missy! This is perfect and I would be willing to wager that most parents would agree. :-)
.-= Christina´s last blog ..Inclusive Language =-.
Isn’t it Arizona that doesn’t do the Daylight Savings Time Thing?
I think my aunt told me that. She lives there now.
I could do without it too. Really messes me up for over a month.
My body just doesn’t adapt to it well at all.
the extra evening daylight is cool.
It makes you(you in general) feel like time isn’t really real in that it can be
manipulated. At least it makes me feel that way.
I love the long daylight too much to be bothered but it also just doesn’t bother me. It’s amazing how it does bother so many though. Hope you get your adjustment or maybe even your prayer answered!
.-= Live.Love.Eat´s last blog ..Veggie for Your Thoughts? =-.
I’m from Indiana…you know the DST rebels who didn’t change until like a year ago. I hate it, too. It’s simply weird to see the sun only halfway to the horizon and it’s seven o’clock, deception.
.-= KellieS´s last blog ..Breast Cancer Screening and 2 Other Concerns =-.
I’m a single girl and this week has been hell … is it really only wednesday? I just didn’t even bother trying to deal with it today. I can’t imagine trying to get kids back on schedule!
Loved your post, but that picture says an extra 1000 words!
.-= City Girl´s last blog ..Pros…and a con =-.
If you think this is bad, just wait. Not only are there no plans to get rid of DST, but there’s talk of plans to do it twice each year. Spring forward in March and again in June, beforing falling back in September and November.
Gotta keep that sun high in the sky.
There are online petitions that you can sign, to either end Daylight Savings time or to have it all year instead. Either way would be fine with me, to stop the disruptions twice a year that every family has to endure! Noone cared about the effect on children back when they instituted this crazy policy, and I believe it is time to rethink it now.
OMG!!! I just spewed the girl scout cookie I am not supposed to be eating all over my keyboard when I read this!! Thank you for making me laugh so hard and helping me realize I am not the only one who is going nuts from this daylight savings.
Did you know Arizona doesn’t ‘participate’ in daylight savings? What makes THEM so special!
And these power naps are driving me crazy!
I’d sign your petition!
.-= jade´s last blog ..…On $4 Haircuts and Homemade Detegent =-.
Well, I enjoy DST, but, then again, my twin are negative-four months old.
You do have to wonder if Franklin took this into consideration. He certainly had enough children, legitimate and illegitimate, for it to be an issue …
.-= Noah Smith´s last blog ..The Name Game, Part 2 =-.
Very funny post. And I totally agree. Time to be done with it.
ha! I wrote almost the exact same post like 4 years to Bush. Seriously, no more!!!!!!
.-= jodifur´s last blog ..Shoe Friday #69 =-.
Spring forward in March and again in June, beforing falling back in September and November.
.-= antalya homes´s last blog ..Bookmarking Demon The Ultimate Bookmarking Software =-.
I’ve thought of this myself, but we really already have enough trouble adjusting to two time changes a year.
.-= Michael Johanson´s last blog ..What would it look like where you live? =-.
I agree with this as a father of three. It’s time to pick a time and stick with it. It’s a shame the some people took Ben Franklin seriously when he wrote about advancing our clocks an hour. This was a satire. Imagine what kind of a mess we’d be in if we took every satire seriously.
I’ve sent letters to some law makers and the president about how we could avoid changing our clocks back and forth. Take a look at my idea at dstadjustment.blogspot.com and write some of your own letters.
Hiya,
Just wanted you to know I ran across this post and added it to my STOP Daylight Savings Time facebook page.
Paul Holderman recently posted..So this year will be the latest we have had to wait to Fall Back November 7th We spring forward a short 4 months later on March 13th I still feel this is just plain stupid Here is a blog entry I ran across from last spring of a mom and her point of view Suggest this page to your friends as well to help spread the wordhttp-wwwscarymommycom-daylight-saving-time-
Contacting a political official has a weakness in that those who will send a message of this issue of this perspective will be scattered from the others saying the same so as to be few over a great amount of time, and these officials easily overlook them. I have seen an on-line petition to stop the switching to DST which did not lead to stopping it. I believe many more would complain about it, but they would need to be organized, to act together en masse, such as could be started with a group. I would join with any that would do that. I just know of this one small group, but with more joining and spreading the word, it could grow to be what there is needed to stop the clock switching by law for DST.
http://groups.google.com/group/hating-dst-switch?lnk=srg
A really good idea is to gradually adjust them a few days before and after the Fall Back/Spring Forward. This seems like a lot of effort but it works. So for a couple of nights before “falling back”, put your child down 20 min before bedtime, then the next night 40 min before bedtime, then on the night of put them down an 1 before bed. For the next couple days, put them to bed at their bedtime, ‘by the clock’. Of course, you must adjust all of their naps the same way to keep everything on the same schedule. The same can be done for springing forward except you keep them up later each night to adjust.
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