How to Help My Child Establish a Good Routine?

Now that the school year has officially begun, many families are grappling with the challenge of getting back into a good routine after the long summer holidays. The excitement of new classes and friends can quickly be overshadowed by the struggle to adjust to early mornings, homework, and structured days. This adjustment period can be particularly tough for children who have become used to the relaxed nature of the holidays, making it all the more important to re-establish healthy routines.

The Struggles of Returning to Routine

For many children, the shift from the laid-back schedule of summer to the structured demands of school can be overwhelming. Late bedtimes, unstructured days, and plenty of screen time during the holidays can leave them feeling out of sync with the new school routine. This sudden change often results in tiredness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating in class.

Adding to this, the start of a new academic year brings fresh challenges—whether it’s moving to a higher year group, meeting new teachers, or even starting at a completely new school. These changes can lead to heightened anxiety, as children worry about making friends, coping with schoolwork, or adjusting to new expectations.

Avoidance

Whilst your child may often enjoy and love certain activities, like martial arts, the anxiety of getting back into a routine may mean they display challenging behaviours. Anxiety or upset about getting back into a routine, may lead children to choose avoidance. Similar to quitting, avoidance occurs when a child refuses to engage in a task altogether. Unlike quitting, where the child starts but gives up when faced with challenges, avoidance is the act of not even attempting the task.

Normalising the Struggle

It’s important to remember that it’s completely normal for children to take a little time to readjust to their school routine. However, the quicker they can get back into a solid routine, the more comfortable and confident they’ll feel as they navigate these new experiences.

How You Can Help Your Child Re-establish a Routine

Here are some practical tips to help your child settle back into a healthy school routine now that term has started:

1. Reinforce Consistent Bedtimes

If your child is still struggling with early wake-ups, aim to gradually bring their bedtime forward. This adjustment may take time, but ensuring they get enough sleep is key to keeping their energy levels and mood stable throughout the school day.

2. Establish Morning and Evening Routines

Having a structured start and end to each day can provide children with a sense of control and predictability. This might include setting out clothes and packing school bags the night before or having a consistent morning routine to help them feel ready for the day.

3. Talk Through Their Worries

Your child may be feeling anxious about certain aspects of school—whether it’s meeting new classmates or keeping up with lessons. Encourage open conversations about these concerns, letting them know that it’s perfectly normal to feel this way, and offer reassurance where you can.

4. Encourage After-School Physical Activity

Physical activity is a great way to manage stress and regulate sleep. Consider enrolling your child in after-school activities like martial arts, which can help them burn off energy, improve focus, and boost confidence.

5. Plan Homework Time

With the return of school comes the return of homework. Help your child establish a dedicated time and place for homework each day, which will support their concentration and productivity. Breaking tasks down into manageable chunks can also help prevent overwhelm.

6. Create a Weekly Schedule

Having a visual schedule that outlines school, activities, homework, and free time can give your child a clearer sense of what to expect each week. This can reduce anxiety and help them regain a sense of order in their day-to-day life.

7. Celebrate the Wins

Whether it’s successfully completing their first week back, making a new friend, or mastering a tricky subject, make sure to celebrate your child’s achievements. Acknowledging their efforts will not only boost their confidence but also reinforce positive behaviour.

As the new school year gets into full swing, it’s natural for children to take time to readjust to the structure and demands of school life. By being proactive and supportive, you can help them settle into a routine that promotes both academic success and emotional well-being. Remember, every small step towards re-establishing routine helps your child feel more in control, confident, and ready to face the challenges of the year ahead.

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