Back To School: Routines For Kids And Families

Well, it’s time for our little darlings to head back to school. Although my son isn’t home with me now, I still have nightmares about this time of year. Ok, maybe not nightmares but I dang sure have “lasting memories” about it!

When it came time for the kids to go back to school, I didn’t know whether to throw a party or hide in a hole. There was a big part of me that couldn’t wait to have some time to myself! Once school started, I wouldn’t have to stop what I was doing to referee a fight or check to see what the kids were up to because they were too quiet. I could actually finish a conversation and complete a project without a major amount of interruptions. You’d have thought I would have been in seventh heaven. Well I wasn’t.

I started thinking about all the things that had to be done to get ready for school. Next came the thoughts of getting kids back into a “school day” routine. I did NOT look forward to rousing a “night person” at 6 am! Nor did I want to deal with the morning whines. You know the kind I mean. “Just 10 more minutes, Mom,” and “Maaamaaa, I don’t waaanna go to schooool,” were bored into my memory. Notice how the last comment was drawn out. Did he really think by making the statement last longer he would be allowed to stay home? If he did, he was sadly mistaken!

I knew I had to get us both back into a routine. The routine would have to include things such as snack time, relaxing time, homework time, dinner, more homework time, another break, and bedtime. Most kids and adults, work better when on a schedule. Doing the things in a specific order and at a particular time helps us all to know what is coming next. After the routine becomes a habit, we even have a good idea of how long it will take to complete the tasks.

This may sound weird but in a way, routines allow our brains to switch into auto-pilot mode. Think about it. When you go get something to drink, do you have to stop and think where the refrigerator is? I hope not! Can you sing while you wash dishes? Sure you can. It’s because washing dishes is something you can usually do while on auto-pilot. When we don’t have to actively think about what comes next or try to remember where we put that paper, our brains can rest until it’s time to focus on the more important aspects of learning and working.

If you haven’t gotten yourself and your kids into a routine yet, start today! It’s one of the best things you can do for yourself, your child, and your family in general. Life’s too short to spend it running around in circles trying to remember what you should do next.