Routines are what saves the day for my family. It has always been that way. Here are three of our best routines for back to school. These routines are working well for us right now. I used routines when my children were younger and now, I use routines with my 5-year old grandchildren.
School started last month, and we had to change the routine we had enjoyed over the Summer. The Summer didn't really have much routine because we had so few obligations.
My husband and I babysit for our 5-year old grandchildren. The schedule varies but some days we have them before school and some days we have them after school. Kids expect a routine and adapt well to knowing what is expected of them next.
Evening Routines for Back to School
Our back to school routine really begins the night before a school day. The evening routine is the first of our routines that work for back to school. Using an evening routine for back to school means we have less to do in the morning. We make sure lunches are packed. I try to have the kids pack their own lunch for a couple of reasons. They are more likely to eat what they choose for lunches and I think it helps teach them independence. I set up the oversee the lunch packing.
Homework is completed and placed back in the folder to return to school. They do have homework of one sort or another each evening. Showers are completed the night before. Clothes are laid out to ensure no arguments develop the next morning.
Bedtime Routines
A consistent bedtime is important for children of all ages, but especially for kindergartners. A bedtime routine is the second of our routines that work for back to school. Kindergarten is different from preschool in many ways. It’s a much longer day. Pre-school was only four hours a day for four days a week. Kindergarten is a whole different ballgame!
We have kindergartners but these same principles work for any school age kids. Reading and devotional time happens right before bedtime. We do prayers right before going to sleep. Sometimes it’s my husband that does the bedtime routine and sometimes it is me. Other times we will do it together.
My Morning Routine For Back To School
My morning routine is another important part of back to school. I need to plan ahead to make sure I am ready before the kids get up. I like to get up ahead of time to do my morning which I will discuss in depth in another post.
The morning routine I follow is fairly simple. Getting my shower the night before helps streamline my mornings. I spend some time in prayer and Bible study in the morning and this is best done before the kids are awake. I talk about the importance of Bible study in the morning here: http://www.savingmoneylivingfaithfully.com/morning-routines/. This is a routine I have used for a few years. It works for me and it might work for you!
Morning Routines That Work
Morning comes too early especially as the days are getting shorter and it is still dark when the kids get up. Our morning routine is the third of the routines that works for back to school. I try to allow enough time for the kids to wake up before we jump in the car and go. I have a quick and simple breakfast ready to go. They are not big eaters in the morning, but I want them to have something before they head off to a busy school day.
These are some of the routines that work for me right now. Every season in life is different and I am sure these routines will change as my roles change. Right now helping with two young children this works for me. What routines have you found to make life easier for you and your family?
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