As summer ends and the school year begins, it’s time to think about our routines. Although, the school year may look very different for most of our students this year, routines are more important than ever.
Having routines creates security in this uncertain time. Creating routine charts is great training for children to learn time and life management skills. Create routine charts WITH your children. The more your children have a hand in creating their routine charts the more buy-in they will have to follow it. Brainstorm tasks that need to be done (morning, homeschool, bedtime). Take pictures of your child doing each task. Post these routine charts where your child can easily access it everyday.
Let the routine chart be the boss; “What is next on your routine chart?” The more children do for themselves, the more capable and encouraged they feel. One of the best ways to avoid bedtime hassles and morning hassles is to get children involved in creating routine charts and then letting them follow their charts instead of telling them what to do.
Three important routines to practice to improve homeschool success are a special time routine, sleep routine and a homework routine. Special time reduces attention-seeking behavior during homework. Remember, schedule 10 minutes per day for ages 2-6 years old, at least 30 minutes per week for 7-12 years old and once a month for 13 and older.
Enough sleep is very important to be able to concentrate on schoolwork. 3-6 years old should be getting 10-12 hours of sleep per night. 7-12 years old should be getting 10-11 hours of sleep per night. 12-18 years old should be getting 9-8 hours of sleep per night. Sleep deprivation can look a lot like ADD symptoms; hyperactivity, inability to focus, agitation, and impulsive behavior.
In order to create a successful homework routine, give kids a say in their plan to complete homework. Provide them with a distraction-free space. Also, provide them a calm-down space for when they need a break. Always, refer back to their homework routine they created. Our children thrive on routines.
Big Love!
Your Parenting Coach,
Kristina
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