Summertime has been an adventure, full of camps and playdates. August is the month that we start to get back into the routines of the school year as we plan our schedule full of sports and after-school activities.For kids, there is comfort in a routine and schedule. Routines are tasks that are done frequently and keep consistency in a household. An example of a nightly routine for a child may be; brush teeth, take a bath, read a few books and then go to bed. A schedule on the other hand, looks a bit different. A weekly schedule may include soccer on Tuesday, library on Wednesday, dance on Thursday and a soccer game to play on Saturday. Sharing the schedule and routine of the week with your children is important because they can start to predict the expectations and goals of the school week.
ROUTINES
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Morning ideas: Brush hair, brush teeth, get dressed and then make bed
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Afternoon ideas: Do homework, play outside and then eat dinner
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Evening ideas: Brush teeth, put pajamas on, wash face, bath time and then book reading time
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After dinner ideas: Help clear the table, put dishes in the dishwasher and sweep the floor.
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Weekend ideas: make breakfast together, watch your favorite movie and order pizza every Friday night, Saturday is family game night
Take time routinely reading each night before bed.
- Create a ‘routine’ calendar for the refrigerator. Include chores such as putting toys away, brushing teeth, making bed etc.
- Check out library books and read all about routines.
- Every morning listen to music before school.
- Set out backpacks, clothes and pack the kids lunches the night before a school day.
- Routinely talk with your children about their day.
- Create a reward spinner with all the possible rewards for a good job. Including pizza day, movie night, camping inside night, playdoh, etc.
CALENDARS AND SCHEDULES
- Create a kids calendar for your kids to keep track of their school schedule and sports. Elementary aged kids love tracking events and learning all about the calendar.
- Schedule TV time during each week to be used as an incentive for good behavior.
Encouraging your children throughout the week to follow their routines and help plan their schedules will show kids that they are included in the process. Sharing positive thoughts and encouragement is important to show your children how grateful you are for them and all that they do!
References:
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