Reintroducing Regular Routines

Mar 23, 2020 • Local News

Sticking to schedules can alleviate anxiety

Weather events or teacher strikes, holidays or global pandemics such as we’re experiencing right now, school closures affect routines.

While relaxing, sleeping in, and indulging are both fun and (and quite often necessary), as time goes on, the lack of structure can make the days drag, for parents and kids alike.

Occasionally ditching routines is an important part of life. Holidays and celebrations with family are the perfect time to shake up daily habits. It’s necessary to spend time together connecting, feeling our emotions, and reducing stress in this unprecedented time. This means adopting a new schedule and being open to change. 

Letting go of your usual routine is exciting, but it only takes a few days for boredom to kick in. Lack of routines can lead to challenging behavior, particularly from young students. Older students can quickly lose motivation and become anxious about what is expected of them. 

Schedules Create Serenity When Times are Uncertain

Change can be stressful for children and lead to feelings of uncertainty. A routine creates a sense of normalcy and helps kids feel confident about the present when the future is unknown.

Here are some of the ways that routines benefit children of all ages:

• Keep bodies on a regular cycle by developing sleep routines
• Learn responsibility with chore routines
• Develop confidence and know what comes next with a routine
• Independence and initiative increase when routines are in place
• Learn self-management skills through routine
• Create stability in uncertain times with a routine 

How can families create something that resembles a normal routine in the coming weeks? The answer is a schedule! 

Kids and teens are used to following a routine at school. Creating an outline for their days will give a sense of direction and normalcy! 

5 Tips to Set a Routine at Home 

Creating a routine at home provides structure and makes for a smoother transition back to school. Follow these five rules to create a successful daily schedule. 

1. Structure routines around the school day. What time does your child go to school? Come back? Eat lunch? Organize your day around these timetables.
2. Add play and fun to the schedule. When kids are at school they don’t spend all day sitting down. Their day consists of recess, gym class, and breaks. Frequent movement is important for everyone. 
3. Make Reading a Priority. Reading combines learning and fun! Read out loud to your child. If they can read, have them read out loud to you as well. Reading has many benefits for both learning and well-being.  
4. Schedule Screen Time. Kids will be desperate to connect with friends and the world at large. Allowing some screen time will keep kids from feeling restricted. Learn More 
5. Relax the Rules. Everyone’s household and family is different. Find the rhythm and routine that works best for you. This could be a strict and set daily schedule. It could mean free time and self-guided learning. Both of these are wonderful options for keeping kids engaged and occupied. 

Not sure how to start a schedule? GradePower Learning can help! We created this sample schedule for you! Download and print your free copy.