Find the Best Back-to-School Routine for Your Child

For both parents and children alike, having a series of patterns or routines performed daily can feel grounding and comforting—particularly as you’re preparing for your child to return to school. 

Having a routine for your child is not only helpful in getting them out the door at the right time every morning, but it also helps your child learn self-control, support their social skills, and serve as an ongoing opportunity for learning. 

As we head into the final weeks of summer, we’re here to help you find the best routine for your child—so you can head back to school seamlessly. 

Why Routines Matter 

Young children and toddlers greatly benefit from having routines and regular patterns of activities that happen in the same way, each day. Children who experience regular routines at home have greater self-regulation skills and the ability to manage their feelings better. 

Whether it’s time for a nap, playtime, or free time outdoors, knowing what will happen next can help your child in numerous ways, including:    

• Self-control and emotional stability. Having a set routine provides toddlers and young children with security and emotional stability. It also helps them learn to trust their caregivers and build a deeper rapport. 
• Fewer power struggles. When your child understands the specific events that are part of their daily routine, it can result in fewer power struggles and provide them with a greater sense of control over their life. One common scenario is to offer options: “It’s bedtime now, so would you like to brush your teeth now? Or do you want to put your PJs on first?” 
• Help with transitions. Transitions between activities can be challenging for some children—but routines can help your child feel more secure and anticipate what’s coming next. For example, when you drop your child off at school this fall, you can create a special ritual for you to share together such as a special hug or handshake, or even a fun phrase you both repeat. This can be particularly helpful if your child has any anxiety or nerves about the upcoming school season. 
• Improved social skills. Having a regular routine for playtime or mealtime can be a helpful way for your child’s social skills to develop. They’ll learn what it means to share information about each other’s days, take turns, share toys, and learn to wait. 

Creating a Back-to-School Routine

With just a few weeks left of summer, now is the perfect time to start conversations with your child about creating a back-to-school routine. 

• Talk about their emotions. Back-to-school jitters, nervousness, or apprehension are completely valid responses to this upcoming transition. Make sure that you open up a dialogue with your child during this time and invite them to share their thoughts and feelings about the upcoming school year. Remind them throughout this process that they are not alone—everyone experiences jitters and anxious emotions when new events are on the horizon. 
• Create a morning routine together. Sit down with your child over the next few weeks and discuss what their morning routine will look like. Provide your child with simple and straightforward instructions for getting ready for school—from brushing their teeth and laying out clothes the night before to getting up early enough and what breakfast plans will be.

• Homework. Depending on your child’s age, they may have to adjust to a new transition: Homework. Helping your child stay motivated and focused can be one of the most challenging parts of returning to school—so have a discussion with your child in advance and share tips and advice to support them with homework and tasks. 

• Settle on a consistent bedtime routine. A good day at school begins with a good night of sleep. And after a summer of long nights, it’s likely that your child may have been staying up later than they will during the school year. Talk with your child about the importance of sleep and decide on a set bedtime. Then, determine what a bedtime routine looks like—maybe that includes deciding on an outfit for the morning and then a quick read of one of your child’s favorite books. Start the new bedtime routine the week before school so your child can adjust.

Over the next few weeks, check in with your child. Are your routines working? What does your child need more help with? What can they accomplish on their own? When you include your child in the discussion of creating—and adjusting!—their routine, you give them a greater sense of ownership in the process and they’ll become more motivated to initiate it on their own.

How We Can Help 

• Preschool programs in Onslow County: One Place administers two preschool programs at no cost to eligible families in Onslow County: North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten for 4-year-olds and Three School for 3-year-olds. Learn more and apply for preschool programs here. 

• Free books and literacy programs. Our Early Literacy and Learning Program provides free books to children and great educational resources for parents and caregivers. Learn more about our books and literacy programs here.  

• Parenting resources. One Place partners with the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P), which helps parents develop the skills they need to raise healthy, happy, and resilient children. This is an online program that can be done at your own pace. Learn more about Triple P and how you can join it. 

Questions on getting your child into a great back-to-school routine? Reach out and we’d be happy to help!