In recent weeks, many of us have come face-to-face with dramatic change to our everyday life. Families have had to adapt to create a new routine, especially in light of homeschooling, at the snap of a finger. Short notice takes no mercy. Quite honestly, rapidly switching gears to create a new routine takes time and, of course, patience. It may be a bumpy road, but putting a new routine into place is key when mapping the road to success. Routines provide consistency and predictable, which kiddos thrive on. Our goal is to be as helpful as possible for parents who navigate unfamiliar circumstances.
Write it Out
Set aside time to lay it all down on paper or your phone/tablet. Start by creating a simple schedule for the following day. Do your best to keep tasks consistent on the day-to-day so you can slip into a new routine with ease. Ask questions like, what must be completed? What are the goals? How much is realistic to complete in one day? Include tasks for you and tasks that the kiddos are responsible for completing. Go over their responsibilities the day before so there are no surprises or confusion.
When you have a basic schedule written out, make a list of potential distractions or obstacles. Are any of your kiddos still in diapers? When is snack time (we know we’ll have some hungry bellies)? How are you going to handle transitions? When you understand what obstacles might stand in your path, you’ll be better prepared to deal with them when they arise.
Finally, write down your feelings about the new routine. Be honest. It’s okay to feel uncertain and apprehensive. Know exactly where you stand in the situation. You can bet that your kids might be feeling the exact same way. Journaling your feelings on paper can actually alleviate some of those worries. If you want to take this a step further, include your kiddos in some of the decision making for the new routine and discuss how they are feeling about a situation. It may give you a new perspective too!
Schedule Breaks in your New Routine
In light of a new routine, it’s crucial to consider breaks. Whether breaks are structured and unstructured frequent breaks can actually increase productivity and enhance mood. Recess, anyone? You know your child the best, but you still may need to experiment a bit to know what works and what doesn’t. Some kids may need shorter breaks but more frequent while others may need longer breaks but less frequent. Try different activities during breaks in order to know what is most rejuvenating for you and your child.
Smile Through the Hard Stuff
Change isn’t always welcome, but it’s a fact of life and all of us possess the resiliency to survive chaotic and wacky times. Maintaining a positive mindset can be a gamechanger when it comes to embracing a new routine. Practicing acceptance of circumstances and appreciating the simple things might be a great place to start. With the right mindset, you’ll be well-armed to guide your kiddo through unusual times. The road may sometimes feel bumpy, but we just know that there’s a silver lining.
We’re always here for you and your kiddo! While we keep our facility squeaky clean, we are currently offering telehealth if you prefer to stay home. Reach out today.
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