During the summer months, when school isn’t in session, it’s easy to relax your child’s daily schedule. But having a school routine when the new year rolls around is important to help them be as successful as they can. And making these changes far enough ahead of time will help them feel normal by the time school starts.
Why are routines in general important for children?
Kids are no different from adults in that they find comfort in routines.
When kids have a school routine, they feel:
- Safe and secure
- In control of their environment
- Ready to take on the next activity
- Comfortable because they always know what’s happening next
A set daily routine helps children know what they have to do and when, so they’re more likely to be productive. Children are also better able to adapt to changes when they have a set routine that they know.
What a school routine can teach children
While a schedule can make your morning routine for school run smoother, it also helps children learn and practice important skills they’ll need for life.
- Promoting stability and consistency: A consistent daily routine provides children with a sense of stability and security. Knowing what to expect each day reduces anxiety and helps children feel more in control.
- Developing time management skills: By having set times for waking up, doing homework, and going to bed, children learn to allocate their time effectively. This skill is crucial not only for academic success but also for managing extracurricular activities and personal time.
- Improving academic performance: Regular study times and designated homework periods ensure that children are consistently engaged with their schoolwork.
- Supporting good sleep habits: Consistent sleep schedules ensure that children get enough rest, enhancing their concentration, memory, and overall mood during school hours.
- Reducing morning stress: Mornings can be chaotic, especially when everyone is rushing to get out the door. A morning routine can significantly reduce stress. Planning the night before can also make mornings smoother and more efficient.
- Encouraging independence and responsibility: By involving children in the creation of their routines, you encourage independence and responsibility. Letting them take ownership of tasks gives them a sense of autonomy, which builds confidence and prepares them for future responsibilities.
- Strengthening family bonds: A structured routine allows for dedicated family time. These moments of connection are essential for strengthening family bonds and providing emotional support. Consistent family interactions also give parents the opportunity to stay informed about their children’s school experiences and any challenges they might face.
“Teachers plan every minute of every day at school. This is quite different from summertime when kids have less structure and more freedom,” says Philip Valmores, DO, a pediatrician at Bon Secours Pediatrics of Richmond. “Therefore, it is important to prepare our kids for the routines that they will be expected to follow when school starts.”
Starting your child’s back-to-school routine
Kids often feel nervous about going back to school. By reinstating their typical routine used during the school year ahead of time, you can help your child feel more prepared to be back in the classroom.
The school morning routine might be the hardest thing about going back to class. Having enough time in the morning to get ready for school each day can feel stressful. Re-establishing these habits early can help alleviate this stress significantly.
“Teachers plan every minute of every day at school. This is quite different from summertime when kids have less structure and more freedom,” Dr. Valmores says. “Therefore, it is important to prepare our kids for the routines that they will be expected to follow when school starts.”
Try these tips:
- Start early: Dr. Valmores recommends starting the new routine at least one week before the school year starts. It’s a good idea to ease your kids into going to bed earlier and waking up earlier, even by moving up bedtime by 30 minutes each day.
- Set clear expectations: Clearly communicate the routine to your children, such as eating breakfast or when you are leaving the house. Use visual aids like charts or calendars to help younger children understand the schedule. Give your child easy-to-follow steps that have to be completed every morning before it’s time to leave for school.
- Be flexible: While consistency is key, it’s also important to be flexible. Adjust the routine as needed to accommodate changes in school schedules or family needs.
- Praise your child and lead by example: Model good habits by sticking to your own routines. Children are more likely to follow routines if they see their parents doing the same. When they do imitate that behavior, call out their successes to build self-esteem.
“When kids are not prepared or are not used to being in school, it can create a lot of anxiety, fear, behavior issues and academic difficulties,” Dr. Valmores says. “Preparing kids for school can prevent these problems.”
Homework and bedtime
A successful school routine doesn’t just include the mornings though. It’s likely that your child will bring home homework. So, devise a plan ahead of time for completing these assignments every afternoon or evening.
- Allow enough time after homework time for relaxing before it’s time for bed.
- Create a place for your child to work on homework that’s well lit and quiet.
- Designate a specific time for homework when a parent or other adult is available to help, if needed.
- Make sure your child isn’t hungry or thirsty before homework time. Schedule the time after a snack or a meal.
- Don’t forget to add time for active activity every day, because daily physical activity will make it easier for a child to sleep at night.
- An evening routine might also involve packing the school backpack and lunch box as well as choosing tomorrow’s outfit.
Getting the routine right
A well-structured back-to-school routine is a cornerstone of a successful academic year. As parents, your support and involvement in establishing and maintaining these routines will not only set your children up for success but also create a harmonious and organized household.
Above all else, make sure your child is getting enough sleep each night. School-aged kids need between nine and 11 hours of sleep each night. As for teenagers, they need between eight and 10 hours of sleep.
So, as the new school year approaches, take the time to plan and implement a routine that works for your family – because a great school year starts with a great routine.
Learn about the pediatrics and other health care services we offer at Bon Secours.
