Ask almost anyone, and the consensus is clear—Daylight Saving Time should be eliminated. It’s a topic that garners bipartisan support, with both sides of Congress working towards passing a bill to establish daylight saving time as a permanent standard. The impact of this time shift can be particularly challenging for parents.
During the Fall time change, when we gain an hour of sleep, parents often hope to savor that extra time for rest. However, for those with children, the reality is quite different. Conversely, in the Spring when we lose that hour, the struggle intensifies.
Renowned singer-songwriter, actress, and mother, Jordin Sparks, who maintains a hectic schedule traveling across various time zones for her projects, is well-acquainted with this struggle.
Parents magazine recently caught up with the former American Idol contestant to discuss her parenting approach, upcoming music projects, and her collaboration with the sleep aid brand Unisom, which she credits for aiding her in achieving quality sleep amidst her demanding responsibilities.
Amidst the challenge of aligning sleep schedules not just for herself but for her entire family, Sparks reveals that her partnership with Unisom couldn’t have come at a better time, especially with the onset of Daylight Saving Time. She mentions using a gummy version of the sleep aid occasionally to regulate her sleep patterns.
Reflecting on her upbringing in Arizona where the time remains constant, Sparks expresses her ongoing struggle with Daylight Saving Time adjustments. She humorously admits, “Daylight Saving is always jacked. I grew up in Arizona, and we never changed! I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it, to be honest.”
In addition to the sleep aid, Sparks advocates for the use of a white noise machine, a sleep accessory that has been a staple for her, her husband Dana Isaiah, and their son DJ since his infancy. She notes that the familiar sound of the machine has a calming effect on DJ, aiding in his sleep routine.
As children grow older, sleep challenges tend to alleviate. However, Sparks, whose son DJ is approaching his sixth birthday, expresses reluctance in embracing the next phase of his childhood post-Kindergarten. She marvels at his developmental milestones, emphasizing the joy she finds in witnessing his growth and spending quality time with him.
Navigating the complexities of parenthood, Sparks adopts a gentle parenting approach, emphasizing the importance of open communication and the willingness to apologize when necessary to nurture a strong parent-child bond. She acknowledges the inherent challenges and occasional exhaustion that accompany this approach.
In moments of difficulty, Sparks relies on humor and music to strengthen her connection with DJ. Drawing from her musical background, she incorporates songs and laughter into their interactions, using these moments to navigate and address DJ’s emotions effectively.
While Sparks acknowledges the effectiveness of her current parenting strategies, she remains aware of the unpredictable nature of parenthood, acknowledging that the journey is filled with unexpected twists and turns that require adaptability.
Despite her success in the music industry, Sparks remains grounded in her role as a mother, emphasizing the significance of her relationship with DJ. She shares anecdotes of their musical collaborations, highlighting the role of music in their bond and her son’s upbringing.
Looking ahead, Sparks is gearing up for the release of her upcoming album “No Restrictions,” a project influenced by her diverse musical background and personal experiences. She describes the album as a fusion of country, pop, gospel, and R&B genres, reflecting her artistic evolution.
While balancing her music career with motherhood presents challenges, Sparks remains grateful for the opportunity to pursue her passion while raising her son. She anticipates the release of her new album and looks forward to potentially embarking on a tour in the future.
As she continues to navigate the demands of her profession and motherhood, Sparks remains committed to living authentically and embracing the freedom to be her true self. Her album “No Restrictions” embodies this ethos, symbolizing her journey towards self-discovery and personal fulfillment.