Jet Lag with Kids Under 10

Jet lag is not a behavior problem. It is a body-clock problem. The goal is to help your child shift gently while keeping the first two days simple.

Before You Go

Move bedtime slightly only if the time change is large and your schedule allows it. Do not create a stressful week at home trying to solve jet lag before travel starts.

Arrival Day

• •Get outside in daylight when safe and practical.
• •Keep meals roughly aligned with local time.
• •Use short naps to survive, but avoid letting a late nap become a full night of sleep.

Nights

Expect one or two disrupted nights. Keep the room dark, bring familiar sleep cues, and avoid making big plans for the first morning.

Parent Tip

For trips under a few days, it may be better to partially stay on home time than force a full adjustment.