Use Routines to Cut Out the Drama
I’m sure many of us have jokingly used the phrase, “Alexa home school my kids today?” on more than one occasion. While we may be some time away from that development, there are some things you can do to help the auto pilot kick in for your kids at home just a bit!
In my classroom, the first two weeks of school are mostly to practice routine procedures, and establish the classroom expectations. That way your class will run smoother with less micro-management daily. Your household should really be the first place that children are learning what they should be doing from the time they wake up, what is expected and what are the consequences?
If your home, does not currently have these routines in place, sit and reflect on the key things that you expect your kids to do first thing in the morning to be prepared for school. Then, what do they need to do in order to get ready for bed at night to wake up refreshed? Try to simplify it down into terms they can understand with just 4 or 5 steps. Here are two examples Jovi and I use to start and end our day:
This routine let’s kids know they are responsible for waking up, stretching, getting dressed, brushing teeth and hair (this is also where we say our affirmations), then packing up lunch, and school bags to head out! If breakfast is eaten at home, that can be added or removed. Your routine should fit your family!
At bedtime, there’s no fuss, no muss, no request for 5 more minutes. I simply say it’s time for our bedtime B’s and she heads to the sink to brush while I run her tub. After her bath, she dresses and meets me in bed where we say our prayers, read a bedtime story of her choice, and before I exit her room I turn on her night light and play some soft music!
Parents, we could also benefit from some “night before” structure. Modeling is important always. Let your kids see you pack a lunch or breakfast the night before, and choose and lay out your clothes. Have all your materials for work in the same place they should have their book bags and your household will run as a unit. Set an alarm that allows for 30-35 minutes of the routine before exit time (this gives you 5-7 minutes to execute each step). Long story short…more routines = MUCH LESS DRAMA!