What is the goal of most households? Most would say to have a happy and healthy home.
What can be done to help create this in your home?
Now that we are almost through September, we should be settling into the routine of the school year. The first month of school is usually a hectic time for families as you are working through getting used to being back on a schedule. Consistency is more important than ever to keep the routine flowing smoothly. When parents use a consistent schedule, it helps to reduce stress as family members know what to expect each day, our sleep patterns are consistent, and it creates a happy home environment.
Consistency
To continue your routine, you as the parent must be consistent with enforcing the rules and routine. This means, continue to enforce an early bedtime and an early wake up time. Children learn well by example. If you model healthy habits, they will follow…
This also means it is important to stay calm, and show positive self care activities.
Why
Creating structure in the home creates a welcoming environment where children and parents know what to expect each day. In a time where schedules are packed with activities, it is important to be prepared for each day. By providing structure to each day, it will help to take the unknown out of each day.
How
- If you are not already doing so, start by implementing visual schedules in the home. Depending on your child’s age, have them participate in helping you make these visuals. On two separate charts, list the morning routine and the night routine. This will include what needs to happen before leaving the house for school, and what needs to happen before it is time for bed. By using a visual schedule, it helps put more responsibility on the child, and helps to grow self help skills, which also build positivity and self confidence.
- Have a family calendar visible to all family members so everyone knows who has what activities that day or week. This will allow you to prepare for each activity as well. If you know it will be a busy week, pre-pack lunches and snacks, have clothes ready for various activities, etc.
- Remember to schedule downtime too.The new school year often brings on stress from having a new teacher, challenging school work, fall activities etc. Giving your child and yourself a time to relax is vital in success. Also include time to discuss your child’s day and to provide them that one on one time to learn about their day.
Incentives
Provide your child with positive reinforcements. Providing positive praise and feedback go a long way! Let them know that they are doing a great job, and you are proud of the effort that they are putting in.
Give your child/children time to choose a family activity or family meal to show that their input is also important.
Schedules are Good
In summary, maintaining a schedule helps create a positive lifestyle and healthy habits. It helps you as the parent to stay focused and on task. It also helps your children to feel more balanced when they know what to expect. Remember that consistency is key with anything that you attempt, especially when relating to your children.
We hope that you have a successful school year!
**include links to our routine charts, or downloadable pdf?
Book Recommendations:
Atomic Habits by: James Clear
Rhythms, Routines & Schedules: How to Simplify Life With Kids Paperback – October 22, 2015
by Rachel Norman (Author), Lauren Tamm (Author)
The Yes Brain: How to Cultivate Courage, Curiosity, and Resilience in Your Child
by Daniel J. Siegel, Tina Payne Bryson,