Back to School Time: Establishing Routines

Going back to school can be a busy and stressful time of year for you and your child. Establishing routines is an important step in maintaining discipline and order in your home. By the time school starts again in the fall, our children have fallen out of their usual routines. Parents need to remember that children need rules and guidance, as well as love and attention. Leading by example and adhering to rules is the best positive reinforcement you can give a child.

Children thrive when there are rules and limits, and by setting rules we start a pattern of desired behavior that will affect them for the rest of their lives. By involving your children in the planning process as well as homework, your child will look forward to your involvement and each school day will be less stressful for all of you. In my experience, I have found the following tips to be most helpful in our family during the school year:

Set a time for going to bed and stick to it. For example, take a shower at 7 pm, read at 7:30 pm, turn off the lights at 8 pm This not only gives parents some time to relax, but you will also have a less moody and more attentive child in the school. The best advantage is that your child will look forward to it once it becomes a routine and falls asleep almost on cue.

Establish a “School Hub” where all school work or activity boards are posted. Prepare boxes or drawers for each child to put their backpack or books to stay organized. Let your children choose the location or the colors and styles of the boxes.

Make and review to-do lists or items to follow up on. Use a planner or calendar. Make a chore list so your kids know exactly what they need to do each day. Let your children help plan their homework.

Check the weather each night and stay on top of your child’s activities to help plan for clothing or supply needs.

Prepare a complete set of clothes for all your children, including socks and underwear. Let your kids help pick out their clothes. Also take out the shoes and coats for the next morning.

Plan ahead for quick and healthy breakfasts and lunches to save valuable time. You or your children can set up the breakfast table, including plates, glasses, cutlery and non-perishables. Make juice the night before. Pack lunches the night before and freeze juice boxes if needed to help keep lunches cold. Including a fun note or occasional sticker on each lunchbox is a nice surprise for your child.

Have a specific “homework time” and be available for your child to ask questions if they need help. Ask about homework every day and check it before bed to make sure it’s done. Make sure your child puts all homework, books, and backpacks in their designated boxes before bed so they can “grab and go” in the morning.

Run errands after work or as soon as possible to keep your to-do list under control. Plan your rides so that you spend as little time as possible driving. Plan or map your route if necessary.

Keep your keys in a designated place and have gas in your car. Fill up the gas tank the night before to avoid unnecessary stops in the morning. You or the children do not want to be late for school.

Above all, enjoy your children and remember to keep smiling.