Last summer, I had a conversation with several parents a few days before school started. Almost all of them discussed buying school supplies, clothing, lunch boxes, and backpacks. All that matters too, but none of them mentioned routines.
Guess what was true when school started? The families who ended up with the least stress weren’t necessarily the ones who spent the most money on supplies. They were the families who had intentional routines set before the first day of school.
Kids do their best when they know what to expect. Simple routines at home can ease stress, encourage confidence, and help with time management. It also helps kids transition from late nights and sleeping in to tighter school schedules.
If you want your school year to run smoother and less stressful, it doesn’t always mean buying more stuff. Sometimes it means creating simple routines that help your child feel prepared, focused, and emotionally balanced.
These 10 back to school routines helped my family and can help yours.
1. Set and Follow a Bedtime Routine
Parents and kids are guilty of waiting until the night before school starts to jump right into bedtime schedules. Children get used to sleeping in late and staying up all night during the summer. When school starts, that sudden change can lead to sleep deprivation and trouble focusing.
Begin moving bedtime earlier one to two weeks before school starts. Give your child a consistent evening schedule that may include taking a bath, brushing teeth, reading, etc.
When kids know exactly what will happen and in what order each night, they will mentally prepare for bedtime. Eventually, their bodies will naturally recognize when it’s time to sleep.
A regular bedtime routine not only allows for better sleep but can help children wake up happier and more refreshed. Children will benefit from this routine academically and often behaviorally.
Read also: 12 Back-to-School Gift Ideas for Kids From Parents
2. Create a Morning Routine
Mornings are stressful when kids are scrambling to find shoes, permission slips, or homework. Creating a morning routine can eliminate most of that chaos.
Have your child wake up at the same time every morning. Allow them to follow a similar order each day, whether it be making their bed, eating breakfast, brushing teeth, and packing their school bag.
Kids are more likely to become independent when they know what to expect. You will also say goodbye to reminding your child what to do 10 times in one morning.
When children feel prepared in the morning, they will arrive at school happier and more confident.
Read also: Building a Productive Morning Routine
3. Pack Tomorrow’s Items Tonight
Remember how I talked about reducing morning chaos? Prepping your child’s items the night before is a simple habit that will change your mornings.
Kids will feel more confident when they know everything is prepared for them. Parents win too because you’ve eliminated one less stressful situation each morning.
You may pack their backpack, pick out their clothes, fill up their water bottle, or prepack their lunch. Whatever you choose will help your child learn responsibility.
Read also: 10 Habits of Lazy Women Who Always Have Clean Homes
4. Have a Consistent Homework Time
Homework doesn’t have to be a battle if you create a consistent routine. When children know that homework will happen at the same time every day, they will be less likely to fight you.
Pick a time that works for your family. Some kids may want to do homework right when they walk in the door. Others may want to play first and then start homework.
Kids will learn discipline when you have a set time for homework. Procrastination will decrease, and late night cram sessions will be nonexistent.
5. Designate a Homework Spot
Homework is more fun when kids have a designated spot to complete their assignments. Choose an area that’s quiet and free of distractions.
You can use a kitchen table, desk, or even a corner in their room. Encourage your child to keep their supplies in this area so they know where to find things.
An organized space will allow your child to focus and lead to academic achievement.
6. Schedule Reading Time Each Day
Nothing is more beneficial than reading to your child! Reading doesn’t always have to be school related. Find books that interest your child and watch their love for reading grow.
You should aim to read with your child 15 to 20 minutes each day. Over time, you will see great improvement in their vocabulary and comprehension.
Reading will help your child with critical thinking skills and can help them succeed in school.
7. Limit Device Usage
Technology is great and educational, but too much screen time can be distracting. Set some screen time limits that will help your child be successful.
You may want to limit television, video games, social media, etc. During the school year, our family has found success when we make my daughter complete homework and chores before using any devices.
Children will be more productive when they know they need to finish things before enjoying their devices. You’ll also eliminate the constant “can I [insert your device here]” questions.
8. Check In With Each Other
School isn’t all about grades and homework. Children face social issues, emotions, and new situations every day at school.
Create a time to check in with each other. Whether it’s dinnertime, bedtime, or another part of the day where your family is together, check in with your child.
Ask them questions that require more than a yes or no answer. Make sure they know you are there to listen to any problems they’re facing or successes they want to celebrate.
Checking in with your child will allow you to guide them when they need it most. You’ll also develop a better understanding of what they’re going through.
9. Plan for the Week
Successful kids don’t just happen. Help your child plan for the week so you can avoid any unexpected surprises.
Pick a day each week to sit down and go over your child’s weekly schedule. Look at their school calendar, after school activities, projects, etc. Include your child in this process and watch them learn to plan.
Planning for the week will allow you to visualize what’s coming. You and your child will feel more confident during busy weeks.
10. Create an After School Routine
Some kids need time to decompress after a long day at school. Without a plan after school, your afternoon may become chaotic.
Consider adding a reset routine to your child’s after school activities. Have them put away their school bag, eat a snack, and talk about their day.
You can even allow them some downtime before they start on homework or chores. Creating a predictable after school schedule will help them unwind.
Having a set routine after school will allow your child to mentally reset. They’ll also stay structured enough to enjoy their afternoon.
Wrap Up
Buying school supplies and clothing is only a small part of preparing for the school year. The habits you create at home will make a bigger impact on your child than anything else.
When you focus on creating consistent routines, you are allowing your child to feel prepared for their biggest academic year yet. You aren’t striving for perfection; you are creating predictable routines that will reduce stress.
As your child starts school this year, remember that small changes each day will have the biggest impact. Start with a couple routines and build from there. Remain consistent and adjust as needed.
You got this!
FAQ
When should parents start back to school routines?
Sometime between now and the first day of school. Ideally, you should begin a week or two before they start just so your child can slowly adjust to their new schedule.
What are the most important back to school routines?
I would say bedtime routines are one of the most important ones to begin with. Sleep has a huge impact on your child’s learning, mood, and ability to concentrate.
How can I get my child to follow a routine?
Stay consistent and follow similar schedules each day. Praise your child when they follow the routines you set.
How much time should my kid be doing homework?
It depends on their age, but try to stick with a consistent time each day where they do their homework.
Why are routines important?
Routines help your child feel prepared for what’s to come each day. They allow your child to be better learners because they know what to expect.
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