We all thrive on routines. We use calendars to keep our schedules in order and planners to help remember what assignments we need to do. As much as we thrive on routines, so do kids. Their schools have a schedule of the day that they are expected to follow. They mentally establish routines for waking up, getting ready, and going to school. In today’s blog post, we are going to address the importance of routines for children before they leave for school and when they come home.
There is a lot to consider when building a routine for your children. Do they like to wake up early in the morning? Do they eat breakfast before they go to school? Do you drive them or do they take the bus? All of these factors contribute to building a healthy morning routine with your children. Make sure to involve them in the process so they know what they’re getting themselves into! This helps them feel more in control of their schedule and holds them accountable for any hiccups that may come up in the morning. Establishing a morning routine will also ensure that everyone gets out the door in time. No one likes being late, it can set back the entire day! If your kids take the bus to school, there’s the risk of them missing it in the morning. Having a set routine with time limits for each part helps ensure that everyone gets to school and work on time.
Coming home from school can be challenging for your children, too. If there is no set routine for when they get home, they may go straight to their tablet or video games and not want to do their homework. You have to take your kids’ personal needs into consideration when constructing an after-school routine. Some kids may thrive on having a break from school and work before jumping into homework. Other kids might need the extra structure before dinner, otherwise they will lose motivation to do their homework. It is important to consider all of these factors and your children’s input. If your kids choose to spend time watching TV or playing games before doing homework, hold them accountable! They have to understand when their TV time is over, they have to turn it off and do their homework. Some kids will need this downtime, but it may be detrimental to other kids.
If you’re ever in doubt about which routine works best for your children, try testing some out or talking directly to your children! They know what learning style works for them and should be able to figure out what works best for them. If you find that they’re not holding themselves accountable or following the routine well, make a change. It’s all about what works for you and your family. Happy scheduling!