These days, your family’s home life may feel a bit chaotic.
Kids are at home in many cases—trying to succeed at school. Parents are at home in many cases—trying to work and/or care for their families. Your usual schedule has been out the window for months. How can you bring some order back into your life?
The best way to regain control is to add structure throughout your day. Rather than overscheduling every minute, try incorporating these four simple routines. You’ll find that your student (and your whole family) will breathe a little easier when they have a routine to follow and know what to expect.
Morning routine. Your student’s morning routine defines how they start their day. This routine should include a specific wake-up time (at least on school days). It could also include personal hygiene (take shower, brush teeth, wash face, etc.), activities like making the bed and eating breakfast, and maybe some time for a grounding practice like meditation or journaling.
School day routine. Your student should start schoolwork at roughly the same time each day. They might begin their day by gathering the appropriate books, reviewing assignments that are due that day, and logging into their learning platform. The school day routine should build in time for breaks and lunch. It should also include a few minutes to wrap up the school day (log of the platform, capture any assignments and put them in the calendar, etc.).
Homework routine. If your student is attending school virtually, they may need a break before heading back to the computer for studying and homework. Determine where and when they will do homework, and be sure they follow the “”plan your work, work your plan”” methodology to make the best use of their time.
Evening routine. An evening routine signals to your body that bedtime is coming and to start preparing for sleep. Your student can work backwards from a desired bedtime to build their routine, keeping in mind that wake-up time on school days. It’s a good idea to stop using screens a couple of hours before bedtime; suggest that your student make time to read a book instead.
Remember that structure beats willpower every time. When challenges arise, this structure offers the right systems, supports, and people to carry your student through to success.
Try incorporating these simple routines to get (and keep) your student on track.
