Planning a preschool or kindergarten routine in advance, or looking to create one? You’re in the right place! Transitioning from having your toddler at home or daycare to suddenly having to rely on babysitters to help with school drop-off and pickup can be an overwhelming shift for new school parents. Establishing clear routines can help children, and you, adapt to these changes and support a consistent start and end to each school day.
The shift from being at home to going to school is a significant change and milestone for the entire family. For children, this change means getting used to a new schedule, meeting new people, making new friends, and being in a different place than they're used to. For parents and caregivers, this change can bring on a lot of emotions, shifting priorities, and added responsibilities. It's normal for the household to feel excited, nervous, or both, about starting school.
To help your child with this change, talk to them about what a day at school looks like. Let them know what fun activities they might do, like story time or free time. If you know their school schedule, walk them through it. Explain what time they'll have lunch or recess, or when they’ll see you again. This helps them know what to expect and can give them a sense of comfort throughout their day. Knowing their schedule or lesson plans might also ease any worries you may have by knowing what they’re up to. Sharing your own stories about starting school could help show them that everyone, even adults, can feel this way sometimes.
If you can, visit the school together. This can help them get familiar with the school’s hallways and classrooms with the comfort of having you by their side. Also, meeting their teacher(s) and keeping an open line of communication, or reading school newsletters, may help you feel more connected to their school day. Keep in mind, you don’t need to know everything all the time. Knowing the important highlights about their day can help start fun conversations and create a love for learning.
Consistency and routines can give children a sense of security and predictability. Even though routines may not always go according to plan, when children know what to expect, it can help them feel more comfortable and confident. Starting the day off with a consistent routine can be helpful in reducing any worries they may have about school. This might also help them focus better in school or be more excited about learning new things.
A consistent and structured morning routine can set a positive tone for the day, especially when time can feel like it’s against you. Using phone alarms, alarms on smart devices, or a visual to-do list for children are a few ways that can help the household keep track of time and tasks during those crazy hours.
Here are some things to keep in mind for those busy mornings:
Your wake-up time
Your child’s or children’s wake-up time
Breakfast time
Reminder to brush teeth
The time it takes to shower and lotion
The time it takes to get dressed and ready
Hair-brushing or hair-styling time
Lunch packing
Filling their water bottle
Getting their backpack
Commute time with traffic, if any
Even on busy mornings, allowing time for breakfast is important for children’s energy and focus during the day. If you normally have busy mornings, try preparing breakfast the night before, like hard-boiled eggs, fruit, muffins, or a bagel with cream cheese. Having on-the-go options available can also be helpful, especially for those mornings that don’t go according to plan. Foods like yogurt or granola bars are great options for a fast, healthy breakfast.
After a busy day at school, children need time to relax and recharge. Try to create a calming after-school routine. A quiet activity, like drawing or coloring, paired with a healthy snack, can help children transition from school to homelife smoothly and prepare them for the evening ahead.
Having a consistent bedtime routine is important to help kids get the sleep they need. The "Brush, Book, Bed" method by the American Academy of Pediatrics is an easy way to set up a nightly routine. First, have your child brush their teeth. Then, have story time, whether it’s from a favorite book, a memory, or made up. This is a great chance to connect with each other. Finally, tuck them into bed at the same time each night. Practicing this routine can help children develop good sleep habits.
While routines are important, be patient and supportive with yourself and each other as your family navigates these changes. Every family is different, and the routines outlined above are simply suggestions. Trying one change at a time before adding another can make the process more manageable. Explaining why these changes are happening in a way your child can easily understand can also help ease the transition.
Everyone adjusts to school at their own pace. Keeping an open line of communication with your child is more important than any routine. Talking to each other can help you both get through this. Although the school schedule can’t be modified, changes to your home routines don’t have to happen all at once. Preschool and kindergarten are just the beginning of your child's school journey—you have plenty of school days ahead to adjust and find what works best for your family.
