BACK TO SCHOOL, MEANS BACK TO ROUTINE
As parents of 3 boys, the end of August brings on new challenges and stresses that can have us asking where do we even start? The sun is setting sooner and the mornings are getting crisper. Summer is over and now it’s time to send the kids back to school. Our to do lists are never ending, thinking about the 3 red duotangs we need and that new pair of indoor shoes and the dentist check ups and haircuts that all need to be done! It can be a stressful and overwhelming time for both parents and kids. Whether your child is just starting school or you’ve done this many times before it can always be a little nerve wracking!
What do we do to help create a healthy transition back to school for both parents and kids alike? For us, we need to have a solid routine. Having a routine can help maintain consistency in expectation while providing structure within the parents and children's lives. With routines children know what to expect and are more likely to stick to healthy expectations, whether it’s brushing their teeth at night or limiting screen time!
BEDTIME:
If your bedtime routine has been inconsistent over the last few months because you’ve been watching the sunset at the beach or star gazing from your tent, now is the time to work on a solid routine.
Our boys are 8 months, 3 and 6 years old and our routine usually consists of:
Bath time
PJs
Brush Teeth
Gratitude Journal
Story time
Off to bed
New habits take 21 days to form so now is the perfect time to get started!!
MORNING ROUTINE:
Currently:
Wake up
Stroll downstairs
Eat breakfast
Watch a show
Brush teeth
For school mornings we need to be ready and out the door early. In order to get back into a routine, we will cut out the shows until the whole morning routine is complete and then they can watch a few shows before we begin our play time! I will be using this FREE printable to create a healthy morning routine for my boys.
As an elementary school teacher, I understand the importance and the benefits of creating healthy habits! I want my boys to wake up excited for the day and have some understanding of what is ahead of them. Now more than ever, we need certainty in such an uncertain time. Children thrive with certainty and crave routine and to be honest I do too! When children know what is expected of them, it helps ease the stress and anxiety they may have. Creating healthy morning habits is the best way of setting your kids up for a successful day.
If you’ve created these routines and are still feeling nervous, that is ok. You aren’t alone! Take a deep breath and know that with time it will get easier, whether it’s dropping your kindergartner off for the first time or driving your high school aged child for their first day at a new school. Parenting is hard but it is so worth it!
Today is a perfect day to start creating those healthy habits and if you want more information feel free to join our community on Facebook “Healthy Happy You” .
Brittney Hopkins
BA in Psychology & BA Education
Mom to 3 boys