How to create rock-solid routines for a successful school year

 

Let’s face it: Even as adults, when you know what’s expected of you, it’s so much easier to have success. The same is even more true with kids. Having specific, well-known routines and expectations not only reduces stress but also actually strengthens the bond between parents and kids, a  Journal of Family Psychology reported.

Here’s some ways to build reliable routines into the day that will not only make your life easier but also set your kids up for success all school-year long.

Setting school-based routines will help academic performance.
Set up a homework station in your kitchen or office and set the expectation of when homework should be completed each day after school. Does it work better for your kids to do their work as soon as they get home? Or do they need a break and can return to it easier after they’ve had some down time? Whatever works best, but set the expectation for when and where homework should be completed each day. And don’t get out of the routine: If your kiddo doesn’t have homework every night, have them read for 20 minutes. Building in the expectation that part of their evening should include some amount of school work will help ease the fuss and fighting on nights when they do need to complete work.

 

Have a bedtime routine that’s a favorite for you both.
Bedtime can be the most frustration-filled hour of the day. Or, with a well-loved routine for you both, it can transform into some of your favorite moments with young kids. Start with setting a bedtime to ensure your kids get the proper amount of sleep each night. (Sleep needs vary by age: Check out the National Sleep Foundation’s sleep guidelines.) Once you know when they need to be to sleep, start preparing for bed in enough time for plenty of wind-down activities. Bathe and change into pjs, get ready for the next day of school, read several books (or larger chapter books for older kids), sing songs, get one last snack or drink and snuggle together to talk about the day. Place a small water bottle by the bed to erase drink requests later. Not only will a routine help your kiddo get the rest he or she needs to be successful at school, the expectation of a known routine will slow down pre-bed meltdowns that can ruin evenings for everyone.

 

Share meals that encourage healthy eating.
Dinner is a great time to model healthy eating as you eat together as a family. And, as you prepare dinner, pack lunches or prep breakfasts to continue the healthy eating conversation. Toss an orange into the lunchbox while discussing how Vitamin C will help you stay healthy or drink milk during dinner to help growing bones stay strong. Consistent patterning of healthy eating habits will slowly help picky eaters find new foods they will try – and maybe someday love! Extra bonus: A fueled brain is also a great indicator of academic success.

 

Develop a tear-free morning routine.
Almost all before-school stress can be avoided with some prep the night before. Involve your kids in this prep to have them feel ownership in successful mornings. Together, find a place to keep all things needed for school the next day, and check to make sure all items are ready for the next morning the night before. (Backpack packed? Lunch box ready? Water bottle filled?) Create a checklist of activities that must be completed each morning – get dressed, brush teeth, eat breakfast. Post the checklist where little hands can mark off each day. At the end of the week or month, reward your kiddo for all the drama-free and routine-ready mornings.