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Create before- and after-school routines to reduce stress
and build confidence.
Night-time routines: Screen time limits and morning rituals often go out the window during school holidays, and that’s okay—everyone needs a break from time to time. While it’s a good idea to try and get back into your family’s regular routines a few days before school starts, it’s never too late to get back on track.
Research shows that children thrive with routines. Not only do routines provide a foundation of security and stability, but they also foster social and emotional wellbeing, academic skills and better mental and physical health.
Before school, kids' routines might include waking up at a regular time, eating breakfast, getting dressed, packing their school bag, and playing or relaxing. By creating a morning routine chart, getting children involved in decision-making, and giving specific praise along the way, you’ll help build their independence and confidence. Kids are also more likely to stick to routines when they have a say in them, so try developing the routine together.
For younger kids, morning routines might include:
· Waking up to the alarm in the morning and turning it off
· Choosing and/or helping to make their breakfast (“Would you like toast or cereal this morning? Well done spreading the butter/pouring the milk/cutting the banana.”)
· Choosing items and/or helping to pack their lunchbox (“What’s the first thing we should put in your lunchbox today? You did it! You got all the lids on.”)
· Getting dressed and putting some clothes on by themselves (“Let’s get out everything you need and put it on the bed. Wow! You put everything on all by yourself.”)
· Helping to pack their school bag (“Terrific! You fit everything in your bag and zipped it up, too.”)
For older kids, morning routines might include:
· Waking up to the alarm—and checking to make sure it’s set before going to bed (“It's great you remembered/keep remembering to set your alarm.”)
· Making their own breakfast (“Look at you go, you’re really growing up.”)
· Making and packing their own lunch (and coming up with lunchbox ideas)
· Getting dressed, doing their hair and brushing their teeth independently (“Thanks for being ready on time.”)
· Packing their own school bag (“You’re so organized, nice one.”)
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