Routine gives children a sense of security and stability in their daily lives. As a result, they are more likely to believe that their needs are being addressed daily. Children with a regular daily routine are confident and have a sense of security that comes with having a back-to-school timetable.
Many parents have established a schedule for their children’s everyday behaviors, such as eating and sleeping, when they were newborns.
As kids get older, new habits, patterns, and activities emerge. It is easier for children to deal with change if they have established routine.
The start of the new school year is one of the most important times for families to reevaluate their routines. Suddenly, kids who had a lax summertime routine must get themselves ready for the day and leave the house in record time.
With the addition of new relationships and after-school activities, there are additional stressors and changes to deal with.
The commencement of a new school year brings early mornings, hectic schedules, and a fair amount of parental frustration.
Here are some recommendations for creating routines that work for you and your family so that you can have a more peaceful morning, afternoon, and evening.
Some recommendations for creating successful routines
Celebrating successes
Acknowledge your children’s accomplishments and urge them to stay to their daily schedules.
Keep in mind that your child is expected to participate in this routine as a family member and that rewarding them for completing tasks can diminish their sense of accomplishment and self-confidence.
Continue to show your thanks for helping them get ready and out the door on time by recognizing and appreciating their efforts.
Learning to focus on a situation’s needs through routines helps kids develop the ability to prioritize their actions. In addition to giving them a greater sense of self-confidence, this also helps avoid power clashes.
Allow yourself plenty of time to adjust to the return to school schedule.
Prior to the start of the school year, you should begin practicing. This allows kids a gradual exposure to the morning routine.
Getting up a few minutes earlier each day is a good starting point.
Then there’s getting ready for the day before eating breakfast.
Kids will have a good idea of how their mornings will go by the time school starts if they include breakfast.
Make the schedule visible
Having a chart or a list of daily tasks, such as getting ready in the morning, taking care of after-school duties, or going to bed during the night, might be beneficial.
Having a physical reminder, such as a family command center, on the wall makes it easier for parents to remind their children of the things that need to be done on a daily basis.
The chart should be concise and include only the essentials so that the routine does not become an overwhelming task. A printed checklist on the mirror in the bathroom or on the back of their bedroom door may be sufficient for older children.
Images and photos presented at their height help young children visualize themselves doing the practice.
Make it easy for yourself by posting your back-to-school schedule online.
Make connections part of your routine
Instead of rushing to get out the door in a frenzy of activity, spend a few minutes with your youngster in the morning. Many times, it can mean the difference between a morning of conflict and a morning in which everyone comes to terms.
Taking a few extra minutes in the morning to read, snuggle, or talk to your child in their favorite chair will set the tone for the rest of the day.
Let your child know they are essential to you and that you are the only one who can be there for them at that moment—not in school or at work, but only right there with them. As a result, they are more prepared to take on the day.
Stay away from screens first thing in the morning to help your family feel more at peace and more connected. It might be hard to encourage kids to give up their favorite TV shows or technological devices after they’ve become engrossed in them.
Encourage your kids to read until it’s time to depart if they’re ready early.
Each child requires their own routine
Inquire of your child about the most important responsibilities. You can discuss this in a group setting what’s working and what isn’t. Make an effort to learn about their morning rituals.
Instead of feeling like tasks are being imposed on them, children become active participants in routine creation when included in the process.
Having a sense of ownership in the process encourages them to take the initiative and get things done.
This allows parents to avoid nagging. It also encourages kids to start planning for their futures. Allowing youngsters to set their own timetables fosters a sense of self-sufficiency and personal responsibility.
There is a shift of responsibility from the caregivers to the individuals themselves.
Sample Routine for School Kids
Morning Routine
- Keep a regular supply of basic breakfast options on hand and some “to go” options for those days when you just can’t get out of bed. Fruit, yogurt, crockpot oatmeal, cereal, and toast are healthy and straightforward options. Breakfast bars, bagels, or muffins are all convenient “to go” choices.
- To help you stay on track, set a timer or an alarm on your phone to remind you to do things, such as eating breakfast at a certain time.
- In the event of a mishap such as a spilled milk cup or a lost shoe, you’ll be glad you added some extra time to your daily routine. In order to figure out how much time you truly require to get out the door, time yourself for one week.
- Encourage kids to take charge of their own morning routines. You can reduce the number of times you have to remind small kids to complete “getting ready” if you create a flowchart.
After-School Transition
- Change out of school clothing as important, and hang up any necessary uniform parts to maintain a clean appearance. If your children are participating in after-school activities, now is the time to get ready.
- Youngsters are often starving after school. Put snack bins in the pantry and refrigerator so that youngsters can assist themselves with healthy food.
- You can store snacks like energy bars, raisins, and trail mix in the pantry. You’ll find fruit, yogurt, and other nutritious items in the refrigerator.
- The first day of school is the best time to create a homework regimen for your children. Keep resources in a portable container in case you need the dining table for homework.
Evening Routine
- Decide on your outfit the night prior to leaving for work. Hang the clothes on the closet doorknob, so your youngster knows exactly what to dress for the upcoming occasion.
- Prepare the next day’s meals and any after-school snacks the kids will require. You can grab and go in the morning by having reusable water bottles and lunchboxes in your fridge.
- Make sure you have everything you need the night before, whether sports gear, musical instruments, or packed backpacks.
- To avoid forgetting things like lunch, school projects, lunch money, permission slips, and gym clothes, ensure your child does their homework and packs their backpack before going to sleep.
- Before bedtime, give your child a guided meditation to help them relax.
- Keep an eye on your calendar to make sure no important activities, such as school meetings, appointments, or events, pass you by. Also, consult your weather app to see if you’ll need extra clothing, sunscreen, or umbrellas.
Conclusion
Kids learn that they have a place in the family and are capable and accomplished. As the school year begins and calendars fill up with sports, clubs, and other extracurricular activities, help your kids establish a pattern that will help them excel when they return to school.