Helping Families

Falling back into School

Getting our kids back in the school routine can be challenging at best.  Some thoughts that may prove helpful.  Keep them on a regular sleep schedule, even on the week-ends.  Try not to vary the "going to bed" time and the "getting up" time by more than an hour.  Our body clocks can take a bit to reset themselves from the more relaxed summer days.  The more quickly you and your children get on a regular schedule, the sooner your body clock will set itself.  Re-setting your body clock also helps with morning agitation, difficulty concentrating, lack of motivation, and a plethora of other aggravations.

Set a morning routine for yourself and your children.  What do they do first when they get up?  Do they get dressed?  Do they brush their teeth?  Do they make up their beds?   Do they eat breakfast?  Do they take their medications?  In what order are these things supposed to happen.  Having a daily routine not just in the morning but also in the afternoons will help get kids on track and keep them on track.  Keep in mind that some children are more inclined towards routines naturally than other children.  Patience with children who are more free-spirited can go a long way in making your mornings run more smoothly.

Afternoon routines can be just as important!  I generally recommend that kids have a balanced snack of carbohydrates and protein.  It will help their energy levels and their ability to concentrate while doing their homework.  Balanced snacks are especially important for children involved in after-school/extracurricular activities.   Breaking up homework into segments of 10-20 minute periods with break times for a glass of water or a restroom break can help kids maintain their attention spans more effectively and complete their homework in less time.  Remember, as adults, we need breaks from our everyday routines.  Stretching, checking e-mail, or having a cup of coffee, all may help us to complete our tasks more efficiently and in a timely manner.  Kids need the same kinds of breaks, although I'd be careful about the caffeine and sugar...

Nightime routines are also important.  Remember to have a set schedule for getting ready for bedtime.  Who has baths when?  When do they brush their teeth?  Are snacks before bedtime allowed?  If so, when in the process does that occur?  Do your children like to be read to before bedtime?  Is bedtime a time you've chosen to spend quality time with your children?  If so, when does that happen in the course of preparing for bed.  As a side note, turning down the lights or turning off overhead lights and turning on table top lights help signal the body that it is time to go to bed.  This may be a helpful tool if your children are old enough to read before they go to bed.  Sufficient light is necessary, of course, but overhead lights may not be.  Clearly, you as the parent, are able to use your own judgment.

School can be a difficult transition time for kids.  It should take about two weeks for your children to adjust to their schedules.  If you find it is taking longer than this or that your children are struggling with paying attention in school, alertness, completing tasks in a timely manner, or cooperating well with other children, it may be time to seek professional help.

Feel free to contact me if you have further questions, would like additional ideas, or would like to talk about how professional help may benefit you and your children.

Genuinely,

Gena Tidwell-Haley, LPC

Mercy House Counseling Center