The summer months may have been full of treats, screen time and late nights for some kids, but as we approach the back-to-school season, it’s interesting to consider why routine is important. Christine Kritzas, counselling psychologist and parenting & family services director at The LightHouse Arabia gives us her advice on how to navigate these first few weeks and reintroduce some structure
How important is routine for children?
Establishing a routine has many benefits to a child’s emotional, mental and physical health. Here are five of the main reasons:
- Consistency: routine helps a child know what to expect. Remember, routine is the antidote to anxiety and helps children feel safe.
- Containment: during times of change or stress, routine provides a reliable anchor in a child’s life. Knowing that certain events will happen at the same time each day (like meals, naps or bedtime) creates a comforting structure.
- Clarity: when children know the sequence of events ahead of time, and what is expected of them, they are more likely to respect boundaries and exhibit positive behaviour.
- Connection: routine ensures that there is time set aside for joint activities, like playtime, reading together or family meals. These moments are important for building strong family connections.
- Confidence: when children know what is expected of them at certain times, they can begin to take initiative and assume responsibility for their actions. Through engaging in independent behaviours, children can develop a sense of accomplishment, which in turn, boosts their confidence.
Do you have any top tips for parents who have children struggling to get up on time for school?
- Start early: a few days before school begins, start practising the school wake-up routine. Have your kids wake up at the time they’ll need to get up for school.
- Establish a calming bedtime routine: start winding down 30-60 minutes before bed. This could include activities like reading, taking a warm bath or listening to calming music. It’s a good idea to reduce or eliminate screen time at least one hour before bed, as the blue light from screens can interfere with sleep quality.
- Prepare the night before: encourage your kids to pick out their clothes or get their uniforms ready and pack their school bags the night before. You can also set out breakfast items and prepare lunch boxes ahead of time. This reduces stress and saves everyone time in the morning.
- Provide mini-incentives: offer small rewards or incentives for getting up on time, like a special breakfast smoothie, extra playtime after school or your child’s choice of dinner over the weekend.
Do you have any tips for parents on how to navigate over-tired and cranky children during their first days back at school?
If your kids are showing signs of fatigue, consider moving their bedtime earlier. Even an extra 30 minutes of sleep can make a big difference in their mood and energy levels.
Avoid packing their schedule with too many extra-curricular activities in the first few weeks. Give them time to adjust to the school routine.
Top tip for parents: manage your own energy and avoid overscheduling during the first few weeks of your children returning to school. The adjustment period can be demanding not just for children, but for parents as well. By keeping your own schedule manageable, you can be more present with your children as they transition back into their routine.
