Get Routine Ready with WakeMed Pediatrician Renee Haynesworth, MD, FAAP

One of the best things parents can do to prep for that back-to-school time is to gradually adjust schedules and ease back into a more consistent routine that works well for the whole family. 

Dr. Haynesworth says routines help kids know what is going to happen next as well as what is expected of them throughout the day.

“If you create healthy habits for eating, sleeping and waking up around the same time each day, it can really make things easier all around,” said Dr. Haynesworth. “In the morning kids should have a consistent wake-up time that is early enough to allow them to go through the steps needed to get out the door, like getting dressed, eating, brushing their teeth, putting on their shoes, and gathering their backpack and lunch.”

Getting up early and keeping that morning routine consistent starts with what you do the night before. Whenever possible, involve kids in getting their backpacks ready to go so there is one less thing to do in the morning. 

Dr. Haynesworth says picking outfits and packing lunches the evening before can be a team effort, and eventually kids should form good habits from consistent routines.

“Routines also help emphasize what is a priority to parents,” shares Dr. Haynesworth. “Work the important things into your family routine, like sitting at the table for dinner with the family, spending time (screen free) talking with each other and reading books together before bedtime."

KICKSTARTING KINDERGARTEN

If kids have not had time away from their parents prior to kindergarten, create some situations during the summer that might feel like a school day.

“Set up some days where you will get up early and get ready similar to a school day and then have them spend the day away from you with nearby grandparents or other family members or friends,” explains Dr. Haynesworth. “Give them a reason to get up and be being responsible for some basic things to get out the door so they can get used to your future school day routine slowly.”

Unlocking Knowledge at the Library

Regular library visits can lead to big adventures of the mind.

“Start visiting libraries early to help build their hunger for books,” notes Dr. Haynesworth. “Kids can pick out books, get hooked on a series and see people of all ages enjoying books.” 

She also encourages families to take advantage of how easy it is to select and reserve books online with Wake County Libraries’ Books-on-the-Go program. Learn more at wake.gov/library. 

Simple Routine Shortcuts

• Pack an easy picnic-style meal to enjoy together before or after sports or other activities.
• Turn off phones in the car to encourage conversations if you can’t eat together.
• Prep food for a few school lunches on one night so there’s less to do on busier evenings. 
• Switch out bath time for a quick shower.
• Read a couple poems instead of a longer story.

Better Bedtime

• Ease into earlier bedtimes a couple weeks in advance of the new school year.
• Don’t read on electronic devices before bed.
• Avoid screentime within a couple of hours of bedtime. Devices should be limited after dinnertime.
• Make physical activity a priority after school but NOT right before bed.
• Spend time together eating dinner – it might be the only time you get to talk with older kids.
• Relax with a bath or shower.
• Wind down with a good book – you’re never too old for story time.

Overloaded Schedules

As kids get older, their schedules can get busier and make family routines extra challenging. Dr. Haynesworth
recommends planning for those extra busy nights and switching to an abbreviated schedule. 

“Sometimes you need to eat at a different place or time, and you can shorten up other things in your routine as needed to remain flexible,” suggests Dr. Haynesworth. ”Frequently you can anticipate the need for flexibility and get creative while keeping your priorities in place.” 

This article is adapted from Families First magazine. Subscribe to our magazine today.