As the first day of school approaches, parents often start to think about routines for the new school year. Routines can change or need to be adjusted with a new school and sometimes reestablished after the lazy days of summer.
Routines are an important part of a child’s development. Routines do more than just keep us organized, they help our youth learn life skills, build their self-confidence, and teach team work and much more. According to Healthy Children, children do best when their routines are regular, predictable and consistent.
Here are a few routines to consider as you head back into a new school year:
Morning Routine: having a routine in the morning can help families get to work and school on time, remember homework, lunches and other important items and be ready to face the day. If your children struggle to get going in the morning allow them enough time to wake up before starting their morning routine. A morning routine should include time for breakfast.
After School: Routines after school can organize extracurricular and evening activities and still work in other necessary activities like homework and chores. Children that old enough to be home alone after school benefit from a routine and knowing what is expected of them. Posting routines for all to see and follow may be helpful. This also encourages autonomy as our children and teens start to move through the routines on their own.
Bedtime: An evening routine can help our children get their recommended amount of sleep. Bedtimes may be different for our children based upon their needs and ages. A routine before bed can help children be ready. Build quiet time in and avoid screen time, close to bed to help your child be ready for restful sleep. A nighttime routine could include reading time, singing together or just some time with each individual child to talk about their day.
Other routines that are important and beneficial to children include meal, weekend and clean up or chore routines. Routines look different in every family. It’s important to be flexible when building a new routine for your family. It may take time for family members to adjust and the new routine may need a few changes, be patient and willing to adapt as needed and soon you will be seeing all the benefits of routines in your home.
Written by: Alisha Barton, Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Miami County.
Reviewed by: Lisa Barlage, Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Ross County.
Sources:
https://sleepfoundation.org/excessivesleepiness/content/how-much-sleep-do-babies-and-kids-need
https://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/families/enewsletter/screen-time-and-sleep
Peaceful Parenting, OSU Extension
Live Healthy Live Well 
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