Fall can feel a bit hectic as you go from a summer routine to a school one. As you establish a new back to school routine, here are some tips to make the transition smooth for both you and your kiddos.
1. Establish a wind-down time/bedtime (and stick to it!)
Not having a set bedtime can make the school year more stressful. If your kids don’t get enough sleep, they may:
- Have a hard time waking up in the morning
- Feel groggy throughout the day
- Be irritable or get in trouble more
- Have trouble focusing in class
In fact, one of the best ways to get back in the groove this fall is to make sure everyone is getting enough sleep! Determine a time you would like your kids to be in bed and make sure the hour leading up to that bedtime is calm and screen-free. Having a bedtime routine is important because it signals the body to wind down and makes it easier to fall asleep.
2. Make a master calendar/schedule
In order to establish a good back to school routine, you need to have a clear picture of what your responsibilities and obligations are. So whether it’s a dry erase calendar hanging in the kitchen, a physical planner, or an app, make sure you find someplace to enter activities, appointments, etc. This way, you can plan your daily routine/schedule around those activities. Be in control of your own schedule, don’t let it control you. If you are noticing you are unable to eat dinner as a family or play with your kids because you’re too busy, look for activities that can be cut out. Your routine should feel doable, not stressful.
3. Show yourself grace
If you’re already dreading the school year, try to give yourself some grace. You don’t have to have a perfect back to school routine the first week! Cut yourself some slack and remember that God honors our efforts to steward our time well. It may take time to work out the kinks in your back to school routine.