Creating Routines
For many of us, this season of our lives has felt much like being on a rollercoaster. We don’t know what is coming next or if we are turning left, right or upside down. It may even feel like we have come to a screeching halt when the ride is over. Our lives have been affected by the early closures of schools, challenges from facing uncertainties that come with the loss of a job or a decrease in income, and the lack of having any normalcy with all of our usual outlets (parks or being able to be social with our friends and family) being shut down.
We have gotten used to being at home more and are most likely being more relaxed in our daily routines. We may have experienced more lax schedules with waking up later in the morning and experiencing more freedom due to the lack of schoolwork and activities, such as sports, that keep our kids, and you as caretakers, busy. It may seem like a hindrance to start thinking about getting back into a routine; however, it could actually be an opportunity to enjoy what could be a smooth ride for everyone.
Routines Aid Development
Kids thrive on routines. When you are young, there are so many new experiences and things to explore and learn. Knowing what is coming next and the expectations involved helps them navigate various challenges and hurdles, which encourages them to become more independent. Routines give children an external blueprint while their internal one, executive function, is developing. Executive functioning (EF) is the ability to control one’s emotions, actions, and thoughts to be able to complete goals or solve problems. Unfortunately, we are not born with these skills, and they continue to form through adolescence.
Part of our duties as parents is to provide the blueprint for our kids to be able to plan and execute all the tasks needed to manage their roles and responsibilities. By creating daily routines, we help our kiddos to progressively become more independent in managing themselves. Not only do routines help with daily life; they can help with the ability to cope in stressful or uncertain times by providing them with predictability that can offer a sense of security.
When creating a routine, remember that it will take time for your child to master the skills. However, once they are successful, they will run on autopilot and will be able to create good habits that will last a lifetime.
Here are a few suggestions for creating and implementing a new routine to get back into school mode, even if it is at home:
Morning Routine
Start off with a morning routine. This will help your child to know what will be expected of them in the morning in order to prepare for going back to school. Make sure to talk with your child about the changes that are approaching. This will allow your child to know what will be expected of them and what will be happening to prepare for the day. Make an easy to follow schedule that is posted with simple visual pictures. Having a schedule that is easy to follow will be a great visual guide for what they need to be doing and what is coming next. Some examples of what to include on a morning routine can be: get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth, brush hair, etc.
Check out our printable Morning Routine worksheet
School Day Schedule
Create a school day schedule. If you have young kids, this is a great time to involve imaginative play, as kids love to play school. This can help to create a new routine.
Set blocks of time for certain subjects (math, reading, writing) or activities. Children will be more likely to participate in non-preferred activities if they know what is coming next or how long they are expected to engage in a subject or task.
Don’t forget the fun stuff like music, art, and PE. You don’t have to be an expert in these areas. Art can be anything from drawing or coloring a picture to making something with items you have lying around your home. Music can be tapping on the table and playing copy me to putting on some music and dancing around in your living room. PE can be as easy as going for a walk around your neighborhood, playing Simon Says, or pretending to be an animal with animal walks (crab, bear, and frog just to name a few). If you are in need of some more ideas, check out our activities in our resources section on the website or ask one of our therapists.
Allow for some free or quiet time. This time will allow your child to destress and not feel too overwhelmed.
Evening Routine
End with an evening routine. Just like with a morning routine, a nighttime routine can create structure and clear expectations to assist with the transition of getting to bed. Some things to include on the evening routine can be: clean up toys, take a bath/shower, put on pajamas, brush teeth, bed-time story or favorite tv show, etc.
Check out our printable Evening Routine worksheet
Remember planning the routine is always easier said than done. Having your child participate in making the new routine may help with their buy in. It is also important to note that these newly created routines are not set in stone. They can be adapted and changed when things are not working. It is also a great learning opportunity that sometimes the roller coaster can take you on an unexpected turn but if you have the right tools you are able to just roll with it. However, if you find that this is harder than expected or need support please reach out to one of our amazing therapists.
Looking for more ideas for your home routine? Check out some of our past activities and articles:
Staying Home? Manage Your Routine
How to Make a Calm Down Toolbox
Difficult Behaviors - Reframing the Negative and Challenging
Additional Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/parents/essentials/structure/index.html
https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/schools-closed-how-to-make-a-new-home-routine
https://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/development/social/toddler-routines-schedules/
