Thursday, August 11, 2011

New School Year - Time For a New Routine


As the beginning of the school year draws near, so end the lazy, unstructured days of summer. Relaxed bed times and spontaneous outings are soon to be replaced with early morning alarms, carpool, and homework. The transition from summer to school is never an easy one and putting the reins on a child so used to the freedom of summer can be a daunting task, but every year, like clockwork, it must happen.
Ironically, the one thing we have avoided all summer can be the most helpful during this challenging time: a routine.
As much as it would appear otherwise, children thrive on routine and predictability. When they know what to expect in their daily life, they can relax (at least subconsciously). They don’t have to be at the ready, waiting to handle the next surprise or questioning you incessantly to find out what's happening next. The predictability of a consistent daily routine provides them with comfort and stability. When they don’t have to be on constant alert and can relax, they often exhibit more balanced behaviors and less melting down or acting out. A typical trait of most children is a difficulty to handle change initially. Not having a routine provides ample opportunity for children to come up with their own game plan only to become upset (insert undesirable behavioral outburst) when it’s not what they are allowed to do. To avoid this mismatch of expectations between parent and child, provide your child with a clear guideline ahead of time and then be consistent.
Additional benefits of a routine:
Sleep: A regular bedtime provides children with sufficient sleep to help them perform well in school and it can improve how children are able to control their emotions and behaviors. A consistent, calming bedtime routine can help “down shift” energy levels and get kids into bed on time.
Mornings: A morning routine for getting dressed, breakfast, packing bags, chores, etc. is helpful for the whole family. When the expectations are clear and consistent, kids know what to do and there is less rushing (and shouting). Practice this routine before the school year starts to get everyone acclimated; the longer you stay consistent with it, the more automatic it becomes.
Homework: Having a daily homework routine sets up the work and reward expectations, especially when they are kept consistent, which potentially decreases melt down behaviors. Providing children with 30-45 minutes of down time after school (i.e. snack and non-tech free playing) gives them a chance to relax and clear their heads before working. Setting a timer can help with the transition from play to homework. Providing a nutritious snack can give them the energy boost they need to stay alert for homework. Designating a homework area in the house, free from distractions (the TV should be off) but in proximity to a parent, can assist with attention and focus which in turn can increase success with homework and time spent working. TV, computer, or video games should be reserved as a reward when homework is complete and correct (check correctness to prevent rushing through the work). If kids go straight to “plugging in” as soon as they get home, the transition back into homework can be a struggle for parents and the quality of the work then produced by kids can be less if they have already “zoned out.” Limiting TV, personal computer time, and video games to 1-2 hours a day combined can have a positive effect on increasing behavior and attention. 
Extracurricular Activities: After school activities can play such a positive role in the development of children. Attending after school sports or clubs can provide more structure and also teach children important time management skills, as they have less time in the afternoon and evening to get homework done than their peers who go home after school. Be careful not to over-do it though; too many activities within a week can become overwhelming and stressful for a child. In this case, less is more. 
As an occupational therapist, I often work with children who require more than a standard routine to help them function well in their daily life. If you recognize that your child is more disorganized than his peers or has a lot of difficulty with transitions, despite putting routines in place, there may be some underlying issues preventing your child from reaching his/her potential. An occupational therapist can be helpful in determining what the underlying issues are and assisting parents and teachers with organizational strategies for the child. If you would like more information, you can contact my occupational therapy practice for assistance: www.pdc-atlanta.com

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