Establishing Positive Routines for a Successful School Year

by David Brookshire, MPH/ School Counselor & Special Education Case Manager | Jan 20, 2019

With the excitement of beginning a new school year, transitions can also sometimes be challenging. Getting up earlier, going to bed earlier, new teachers, new experiences….while all positive things, can sometimes be a little bit stressful as we adapt. With new experiences and expectations on the horizon, it can be helpful to embrace some routines at home for added structure and peace of mind as we get ready for the new year. With a few basic practices, routines can help the whole family. A routine is simply a sequence of actions followed regularly that helps everyone know who should do what, when, in what order, and how often. The following are some examples of routines that can help everybody adjust to a new schedule.

• Morning:

To prepare for coming back to school, it is beneficial to begin waking up at a regular time each day. This helps our bodies establish a natural rhythm that makes it easier to adjust once the school year begins. By getting in the habit of waking up at a certain time, getting ready for the day, and eating breakfast, etc., we adapt to change with more ease and less stress.

• Afternoon:

Getting in the habit of what happens after school can also provide ease to the flow of the afternoon. Having a snack, doing some homework, or finishing chores are all examples of ways to establish structure in the afternoon.

• Evening:  

By having dinner together as a family, we strengthen family relationships and provide a space for bonding. Also, with a regular bedtime and set of tasks for getting ready for bed, it’s easy to know what to expect and can provide cues for a body and brain that it’s time to begin resting. Practicing this regularly makes it easier to avoid stress and conflict when we begin a new school schedule. Getting enough sleep becomes a priority so we can be our best during the day.

Routines can provide a lot of benefits for children and adults. One of the most relevant benefits of routines is the creation of safety and predictability. An organized schedule provides children with a sense of safety because it is easy to know what to expect. The predictability of routines reduces stress and takes the guesswork out of getting ready because children regularly know what to expect. When children know what is expected and practice it regularly a sense of responsibility is gained that can boost confidence and make it easier for them to take safe, healthy risks as they face daily challenges. A sense of responsibility is an excellent benefit of establishing predictable routines. And finally, by establishing regular routines and making them a habit, we save time and allow space in our schedule for other activities.

When routines are established and practiced regularly we, as parents, feel good about providing our kids with a sense of accomplishment and responsibility. We save time, avoid conflict, and strengthen family bonds. This helps all of us make the transition as we enter the new year.