The yellow and orange leaves are gliding slowly to the ground and the evenings have become cooler and crisp. Yet the most noticeable change is that sunsets are coming earlier. Boys with new haircuts and girls with braided hairdos are looking happy. Before you know it, fall is coming. With that comes the return of school and establishing new daily routines for families and children. Students undergo a tremendous amount of stress in starting a new school year. They are apprehensive about what the school year will bring, such as a new teacher, new friendships and the stress of learning new skills.
There are several positive and influential ways of how we can improve old habits and instill new habits to assist our children.
Benefits of Routines
- Routines “eliminate power struggles.” If children are told what they are expected to do on a daily basis, such as bathing and brushing their teeth every night, they will know what is expected to do each night without being told constantly.
- Children learn how to cooperate and may assist the younger children to complete their day and evening activities. Parents may take turns reading to their children before wishing them good night. The children will sleep better and be prepared for the next morning’s activities.
- Children become independent when they learn that they are responsible to take care of themselves with the help of their families.
- Please keep in mind that sometimes routines have to be broken. A family may be celebrating a holiday or relatives could be visiting. Time must be made to enjoy those precious memories.
Wishing everyone a great school year! Have fun!
