Tips for a routine now that the school year has begun
If you have kids, the glories of summer include throwing off the shackles of school-imposed structure. Sure, you might have drives to camps, the library and the beach. But we can acknowledge that those all cause less stress than the homework-supervising, lunch-making, bus-catching and fundraiser-attending days of school.
Summer has a catch, though. It’s tough to gear up again at the end of August.
By now you have bought the back-to-school gear, set the alarm clocks, and figured out the schedules of drop-off and pick-up.
The only thing left is the family’s attitude adjustment.
A full week or two before school starts is the best time to get back into the fall routine. But if everyone is still sleeping late and the refrigerator is missing lunch supplies, start now to get everyone in synch with the new schedule.
Reset boundaries
Surprise! Routine is good for kids. Even if it’s tough to get into, routine makes everyone’s life more comfortable and easier to handle. Don’t count on the kids understanding this. As pyschcentral.com reports:
“Our ability to manage multiple demands is determined by the part of the brain that performs what is called ‘executive functioning.’ Like a good boss at work, the “executive” in the brain is able to pinpoint a problem, come up with a plan for solving it, carry out the plan and then evaluate the plan and perhaps make changes for the next time the problem comes up. It helps us prioritize tasks and organize our day.
“Unfortunately, human beings aren’t born with a highly developed boss in the brain. It takes years for it to mature. In fact, research now shows that it isn’t until we reach our early 20s that we have a fully functioning ‘executive.’ ”
In other words, the routine is your job to create and enforce.
Use your gentle voice
Not only will you hear protests about routine, your kids may express crankiness for reasons they can’t yet explain. Simply put, they’re probably nervous. A new school, new friends, new classes and more homework awaits. You might be nervous, too. But your job, as Childmind.org explains, includes validating their fears, and helping them give voice to their concerns.
Work with the teachers
They have been through this before. And contrary to the old days, part of their job involves helping parents adjust to the new year, too.
“Teachers are our partners in this process with great sets of skills that help children during these transitions,” as Parenttoolkit.com reminds us. Remember that partnering with teachers creates a support system for everyone.
Help your kids get enough sleep
Everyone needs sleep. Scientific evidence is piling up to show that most of us don’t get enough sleep, and it hurts our performance. It also makes us more likely to burst into tears while we’re waiting for the bus in the morning. The website Motherly.com put together charts to help you decide exactly how much sleep your child needs each night.
Make lists. And more lists.
Following a routine is easier when it’s details are in writing and ready for reference. You can use them, too, but they are especially good for the kids. Try to get homework done during daylight and eat at a regular time when possible. Then it’s “Oh, it’s 8 p.m. so I have to brush my teeth! Now I have time to read a chapter in my book.”
And it might be useful to remember this: Summer will be here in no time.