Establishing Back-to-School Routines
C.K. Chesterton says, “Because children have abounding vitality, and because they are in spirit fierce and free; therefore, they want things repeated and unchanged.”
This speaks to routine and consistency; children thrive on both. Routine builds security into a child’s world, and consistency builds trust. Parents, you are building trust with your child until ultimately you lead them to trust their perfect heavenly Father through belief in His Son. Until such time, they are looking to you (knowingly or unknowingly) to provide for them a haven of unconditional love and acceptance, safety, discipline (discipling), training, instruction, and daily care with boundaries and expectations that provide security. On the other hand, children also need to be taught flexibility since change is inevitable from time to time.
As you segway from the lazy days of summer to the school routine, gone are the carefree and pajama-clad mornings with no set time to be out the door. Now, you are one full week into your back-to-school routine. I wonder how it’s going for you. Have you gotten a good start on your morning routines, or has this ‘new beginning’ brought you angst? So often we fail to realize that it takes more time to establish this new routine than we had expected. If this resonates with you, read on to learn some helpful tips.
First, be intentional about your new school routine by spending time mind-mapping it. Then, talk to your child(ren) about what is expected. Keep it short with three directives. You might want to role play the morning routine on a Saturday morning when it doesn’t count. Do you recall the song, “The more we get together (I say work together), the happier we’ll be!” Tell them, “This is how we work together as a family.” Repeat other fun sayings like, “A place for everything and everything in its place.” Train your child to place his or her Redeemer bag in the same location upon carrying it into your home so it is quickly and easily accessible the next morning. Consider laying out the school uniform (children can and should help with this) before going to bed. When you allow your child to do what he or she can do, this small act of responsibility builds character and confidence in your child. Additionally, it is time to lower the level of doing for your child. John Rosemond calls this timeframe the season of leadership and authority in parenting.
Teach and practice verbally three directives, for example: eat breakfast, get dressed, brush teeth. Establishing routines takes time, patience, and practice. Expect setbacks from time to time but do not give up! Your expectations for a smooth and non-stressful morning routine begin prior to bedtime. Build margin into your routine; life will run more smoothly.
One mention about breakfast - your child is using a lot of brain power to focus and learn; therefore, he or she needs protein for breakfast. Some choices could be eggs, cheese or avocado toast, Greek yogurt breakfast bowls, a protein smoothie, or left-over pizza or quiche. As you thank God for your morning meal, remember to pray for your child’s school day. Click here for some Scriptures.
As you pick-up from carpool and arrive back home, create a lunch time followed by a ‘quiet world’. A quiet world is one that offers down-time. It includes time in the child’s room – resting or napping. Setting a timer is a good way to draw a boundary on time. If it is your preference, you may allow your older preschooler to engage quietly with story books or a favorite Bible picture book. Your child will be tired from listening to the teacher, following directions, and learning new things. This quiet world is for you, too! Resist the urge to get caught up on housework, e-mails, or texts. Soak in the Father’s love for you and your children. “Be still and know that He is God” (Psalm 46:10).
