As lovely as the school holidays have been, I am ready for structure again. I am ready for regular bedtimes, organised mornings and knowing what each day is supposed to look like.
However, I also know that children cannot always go from complete holiday freedom straight into a structured school routine without some support. So, here are the practical things I am doing to help my children and myself ease back into the school routine.
1. Returning to Their Normal Sleep Routine
The first thing I am doing is getting them back to their usual bedtime, which is 8 p.m.
They had been following this routine judiciously, but whenever their dad is around, he tends to let them do whatever they like. I try not to interfere too much because, as parents, we sometimes naturally fall into the good-cop, bad-cop dynamic. I let them enjoy themselves, but now that school is resuming, we are going straight back to normal.
Tonight, they will be sleeping at 8 p.m. on the dot.
Tomorrow morning, I will wake my older son at 6:30 a.m. so that he can complete his at-home learning before school. My younger son will wake up at 7 a.m.
Getting their sleeping and waking times back on track is the first and probably most important part of restoring our routine.
2. Keeping Electronic Devices for the Weekend
Another change I have decided to make this school year is that the children will no longer have free access to their electronic devices during the week.
Previously, they might have used their devices after school, but this term, tablets will be kept mainly for the weekend.
The only exception will be when they need them for at-home learning, IXL or another educational activity. Once they have completed the academic work, I will collect the devices again.
I know this will probably lead to more questions, more conversations and more requests for activities around the house but I am genuinely looking forward to that. I want us to talk more, spend more time together and find other ways to enjoy our evenings.
3. Supporting Them With Their Schoolwork
Supporting children with their schoolwork is incredibly important, especially when they are still young.
My younger son is just starting Reception, so I know he will need a lot more support with every assignment. I plan to sit with him, explain what he needs to do and encourage him throughout the process.
When my older son was younger, I would give him a star whenever he completed his work or did something well. That simple reward encouraged him so much, and I have started doing the same thing with my younger son.
As parents, we also need to attend parents’ evenings and meetings where the school explains what the children will be learning. Ask for the curriculum, understand what is being taught and find out how you can support that learning at home.
The more you understand where your child is academically, the easier it becomes to recognise the areas where they need extra help.
4. Creating a Morning Routine That Works for Everyone
This year, my mornings will change slightly because my younger son is now starting Reception.
I recently commented that I would have to start walking back to the school gate to take him to his classroom. My older son immediately said, “Oh no, you don’t have to walk him to the gate. I can always walk him to his class.”
It was such a sweet moment for me, and I do not think I will forget it anytime soon.
It reminded me that our routine does not have to be something I manage entirely by myself. The children can also learn to support one another and take on small, age-appropriate responsibilities.
5. Preparing in Advance
One thing I do not want this term is to wake up in the morning and suddenly realise that a uniform has not been ironed, an assignment has not been completed or something important has not been packed.
Their uniforms will be washed, ironed and organised before the start of each school week. Bags, homework and anything else they need will be sorted either the night before or, where possible, during the weekend.
School mornings can already be busy enough without creating additional stress for ourselves.
Preparing everything in advance means fewer rushed mornings, fewer forgotten items and, hopefully, a calmer start to the day for everyone.
A Bonus Change: Creating More Balance After School
Previously, I would often take advantage of after-school care and leave the children at school until around 5:30 p.m.
This term, I want to create a little more balance. On some days, they may still stay until 5:30 p.m., but on other days, I plan to collect them at around 4:20 p.m.
I want us to have more time together at home, time to talk, complete schoolwork, play and reconnect after the school day.
With their tablets being restricted during the week, I know I will probably hear “Mummy!” a million more times. There will be more questions, more talking and more activities to organise, but I am actually looking forward to it.
The beginning of a new school year always feels like a fresh start. We may not follow the routine perfectly every single day, but having a plan gives us something to return to whenever things become a little chaotic.
How are you preparing your children for the new school term? What are you doing to help them get back into a school routine?
With Love,
Ayo
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