Establishing Routines Play Crucial Role in Child Development

Now that school has started, are chaotic morning scenes being played out in your home?  Have you already heard, "I can't find my sock!", "Where's my lunch?", "Where did you put my backpack?".

As adults, we all know how a small change in our morning routine can affect the rest of our day.  Wake up a few minutes later than usual and our whole day seems out of sorts. If it does that for us adults, think of what it does for your child.

Routines give children a sense of organization. It puts structure in their lives. The more routines we can give to children the better they are able to cope with the expected and unexpected events of the day. Bedtime routine, mealtime routines, a play routine, study and homework routine make kids feel safe and in control.

Complete homework. Make sure homework has been completed and placed in your child's backpack the night before.   Rushing to finish it in the morning does not allow the "learning" of homework to process in the child's brain and only adds to the rush of the morning.

Make meals special. Let your child select what will be eaten for breakfast and lunch the night before.  Not only does this save time, but when a child has made the choice, there is a better likelihood the meal will be eaten.

Minimize time getting dressed. Laying clothes out the night before, and even a few days at a time, will save time in the morning.

Turn off the television set. Use this time to listen to your child express their successes and concerns.  Listen to your child talk about yesterday's experiences and what they will be doing in school today. 

Allocate time, a lot of it. Determine how much time is needed to complete the tasks of the morning.  Wake your child up with sufficient time to complete those tasks.  If you cut it too close, you ask for trouble.

Back to school is a season of change. Your child tightens the laces on his new shoes and lifts up his new backpack. She climbs onto a bus with new classmates, on her way to meet a new teacher in a new classroom.  With all these new changes, creating and following routines will help your child, and you, begin each day a little less stressful.