For most of us, our everyday schedule consists of a series of habitual routines we perform such as waking up at the same time each morning or grabbing our favourite coffee before work. This may seem mundane to some, yet consistent routines provide a sense of comfort in knowing what the day will bring.
Just like adults, children crave a sense of consistency and following a schedule makes them feel safer and happier, which overall impacts their behaviour and wellbeing. When they know what to expect – and what’s expected of them – they’ll be less likely to stretch the boundaries.
Don’t get us wrong, starting a new routine is always an eventful and stressful time which will be met with tears and the occasional tantrum. It’s perfectly normal for your child to feel uneasy and even upset that their familiar routines will change. It’s important to sit down with your child and communicate why and how you are establishing this routine and the benefits.
Here are some of our top tips to help you set boundaries and prepare your child to adopt an everyday routine that works best for your family:
Start the routine early
We recommend easing your child into a routine a few days before school starts back by gradually shifting their routine to align with the school schedule. This is easier said than done and we guarantee that it will be met with resistance, however this will make the transition smoother and less of a shock to their system. The same can be said for all other routines you choose to adopt – preparation is key, always! If you notice your child is struggling to take to the routine straight away, such as remembering to sit down and complete their homework at 5pm for example, it’s okay to be show some leniency and keep reminding them of expectations. Remember the old saying that it takes 30 days to form a habit?
Create a schedule
Develop a daily schedule with your child that includes times for waking up, getting dressed, eating breakfast, going to school, completing homework, and going to bed. This can be a written schedule or for older children, an alarm or reminder on their phones. Stick to the schedule as much as possible to create a sense of structure and stability for your child.
Communicate with your child
Talk to your child about their worries and concerns about how the new routine will affect them going forward and understand that they will certainly have a lot to say. Regardless of whether some of their concerns are out of the realm of possibly, like wanting to stay up as long as they like or watching an unlimited amount of tv, listening to their feelings and offering support and encouragement will ensure they feel heard and will establish the intention behind the routine. This helps them feel heard and understood, which can reduce anxiety and stress.
With these tips, you and your child can master a new routine and start the new school term on the right foot. Remember, the more prepared and organised you both are, the less stressful the transition will be. Here at Living Waters Lutheran College, we understand that setting your child up for a successful school year will look different for every child. If you would like to speak to us to discover how we nurture, challenge and inspire our students to look positively at the year ahead, please call us on 0895931211 or visit the Take a Tour page on our website to arrange a personal meet and greet.
