We arrived a week ago tonight. I usually give the time difference effect about a week to wear off. It has been fantastic to be in our own space this time and to be free to wake up at 11 and have kids squirrling around at 11pm as well. We're not keeping anyone up but ourselves. No well-meaning relatives have popped in to say hi in the morning, lunch is not on anyone's schedule but our own.
But I think I would like this to be over. I am ready for the children to be in bed reading quietly or sleeping at 8 and for me to be up early, alone. I want to reestablish our morning rhythm again, have a "normal" moment together between breakfast and lunch. I wish it were that easy. Changing time zones does funny things to a body, and most likely your mind too. I know patience and time are my best allies, but it would be nice to hurry things up a little bit.
At "bed time" I've tried massaging the kids with calming essential oils, reading stories like at home, baths, snacks. I have not made them get up any earlier in the morning, it seemed pointless to have grumpy children as well as jet-lagged ones. I might be ready for this step. Any other ideas out there from fellow travelers?
