School has been in session for a few weeks now, but many kids and families are still working on getting back into their routines after the summer. After months of vacations, trips, and unscheduled days, it’s hard to reestablish the routines and patterns that go with school days and childcare schedules. If your family is having some trouble getting back into the swing of things after the summer, our team of childcare experts at Wollaston Child Care Center has some tips and ideas to help you.
Take these tips to get your family back on track and into your school and regular childcare schedules.
Rebuild Your Routines
Ideally, you would have the time to gradually reestablish your routines in the week prior to school starting again, but that’s not always possible. Now that school has already started, there’s still a lot you can do to get back on your schedule. Turn off all screens at least an hour before bedtime to help kids fall asleep (you’ll find it helps you, too!). Establish a calm and relaxing bathtime routine and replace screen time before bed with reading a book together. Make sure you start your bedtime routine early enough to allow for kids to get 9 to 11 hours of sleep.
More than anything, consistency is key, so once you set up your routine, stick to it, even on the weekends. Make your mornings easier by prepping as much as you can the night before. Lay out clothes, pack backpacks, and prep lunches as part of your evening routine.
Stay Organized
Keeping everything organized is no easy task, but there are a few simple things you can do that will make a big difference. First, make a family calendar that exists outside your phone. Keep track of activities, events, and assignments all in one place. Have your kids participate in updating the calendar by adding their projects, performances, or sports games to teach them to take ownership of their schedules.
You can also dedicate an area in your home for homework and school projects. By setting aside one area that is just for schoolwork, it signals that it’s time to switch to “school mode” when they are in that spot.
Be Patient and Stay Positive
Above all, it’s essential to stay positive. As adults, we often find it difficult to stay disciplined and stick to our schedules. But our kids look to us to show them what to do, and they take their cues from us, even when we don’t think they’re paying attention. When your kids are struggling to adjust, stay calm, encouraging, and flexible. Celebrate the small wins, look forward to fun or exciting upcoming events, and remember that it’s okay to skip an afterschool activity now and then if everyone needs a break.
