It’s that time of year! With all the many kinds of options out there for our children’s education from charter, public, private or home schooling—as parents, we all feel the surge of energy when a new school year begins. Deep down, we yearn to get back to the structure, schedules and routines. Especially, and most importantly, because it brings function and order to our homes.
Here are some helpful tips for establishing and maintaining a routine with your children with back to school:
From www.childmind.org, we learn that morning routines can help your child be successful. However, in order for them to truly be successful, parents need to “discuss what their morning routine will look like during the school year. Provide your child with simple, well-defined, and easy steps for her/his routine so they have a clear expectation.”
For example, in our home, we have charts that give my younger boys, ages 8 and 11, the awareness they need in order to complete their tasks in the morning. Tasks such as: making their bed, putting away the dishes, reading, praying, brushing teeth, etc. It is helpful to have the chart on the wall so they can refer to it and I don’t have to be the nag!
Also, you can try teaching your kids to pack their own lunches for school. My 8-year-old was recently frustrated because I hadn’t made his lunch well before he had to leave, so he finally took it upon himself to get it done and he did! Help your kids do these tasks so, as parents, you don’t have to! From www.melskitchencafe.com, she has a great visual chart for helping her kids to pack their own home lunches (refer to photo in article).
Homework is another transition that can be hard to adjust to after a long, summer break. Having children come home and do homework right away might be your strategy or you might give your child a break and have them work on it after dinner. You do what is best for your child and your family.
On www.melskitchencafe.com she says, “snacks are not optional” for her family. She tries to keep some simple but healthful snacks on hand when her kids get home from school. She suggests making Energy Bites, which you can find on her website or granola. Also, Mel recommends going for easy dinners and planning a two-week menu. This can save you time in the long run over the course of the week when you’re pinched for time with sports events etc.
It has been a huge benefit in our family to plan meals ahead. Plus, you always have the food on hand to make the meals too. Mel can guide you through menu planning and help you figure out some wonderful meals. Also, go to www.thefoodnanny.com for further meal planning ideas.
Bedtime: According to www.childmind.org, bedtime is one of the hardest transitions. Children may be accustomed to going to sleep later and/or waking up later during the summer, so the new school schedule can be difficult to get acclimated to.”
Along the lines of the morning routine, you can also set up a night-time routine and give your child clear expectations. Setting time limits on screen time such as with the tv, video games or being on their phone is extremely important.
