Having a consistent routine improves daily life and helps achieve goals. It allows you to track tasks, promotes better health, and enhances life balance. For children, especially during school years, routines are crucial. They ensure enough sleep, nutrition, and playtime, balancing studies and stress. While vacations offer a break from routines, it's important to reintroduce structure as the school year approaches. Establishing a routine now prepares children for the academic demands ahead. Connector spoke with experts for tips on creating an effective routine for children, ensuring a smooth transition back to school.
Ensure That The Bed Time And Wake-Up Time Are The Same Each Day
If you plan to have your child asleep by 8.30pm, commit to this schedule consistently for at least a week to help them adjust to the bedtime routine before school begins. Similarly, maintain a regular wake-up time for your child, mimicking their school-day routine. This approach not only establishes a morning routine but also prepares them for the school day ahead.
Adding to this, Jenny Evans, Senior Deputy Principal, GEMS Royal Dubai School says, "It’s really important that young children have clear routines. For example, bedtime and wake-up times are similar each day. Routines help children not only feel safe and secure (as they know what is coming next in their day) but also ensure they get enough sleep. Experts and research suggest that, if a child is to wake-up by 6am each day, they should be asleep before 8pm and even earlier for a Foundation Stage-aged child. This can be hard culturally but is incredibly important if your child is to be well-rested and ready for a full day of learning."
Highlighting the importance of bedtime routine, Jane Clewlow, Head of Senior School, Brighton College Dubai adds, "One key component is establishing a bedtime routine that remains consistent regardless of the actual bedtime. This includes stopping screen time well before bed, encouraging kids to read or do other relaxing activities, and maybe incorporating a bath or some calming music. Keeping this routine consistent will make the transition to the school bedtime routine smoother."
Avoid Late Night Snacks Or Any Other Distractions
When setting up a sleep routine before school resumes, it's important to eliminate late-night snacks and activities. This helps children understand that school is approaching and ensures they get restful sleep. "A child who has slept well will learn better. It’s really clear to teachers in the classroom which children have had a good night’s sleep and those who haven’t. Remember that you are the adult, and you control routines; don’t give in to those requests from your child for one more episode of their favourite TV show or one more snack – save that for the weekend," adds Jenny Evans from GEMS Royal Dubai School.
Start Talking To Your Child About School
Before the academic year starts, build excitement in your child about going back to school. Show enthusiasm as a parent for the new school year and discuss with your child how fruitful and exciting it will be. This positive reinforcement will help them look forward to school and prevent them from feeling down about the end of vacation.
Jenny Evans from GEMS Royal Dubai School says, "It’s also important to begin talking to your child about their return to school. Drive past the school building and talk about how exciting their return to school will be, meeting new teachers and making new friends. Try on that new school uniform and tell your child how proud you are of them and how you can’t wait to see what they will achieve this upcoming academic year. This is particularly important for any children who may be anxious or who find transitions hard. Make sure that, as parents, you do not show your child any anxieties you have, they need you to be excited for them."
Start With Meal Planning
It's crucial to ensure your child's nutrition is on track before school starts, as this sets the foundation for a healthy routine during the school year. While vacations often include indulging in favourite dishes and junk food, transitioning to a nutritious diet during school days is vital for optimal brain and body function. Planning meals and involving your children in meal preparation can effectively establish a healthy eating routine before school resumes.
Adding to this importance of meal planning, Jane Clewlow from Brighton College Dubai adds, "Meal planning and regular meal times are super important for kids! Planning meals with a variety of proteins, vegetables, fruits and fibres is key. You can use a magnetic board on the fridge to organise your weekly meal plans. It’s also great to involve children in the process of planning family meals for the week – it can be a fun activity together! Consider planning meals even a month in advance and exploring new recipes. Online meal kit providers like Hello Fresh can help introduce new meals into the family repertoire. And themed weeks, e.g., Italian or Greek cuisine, can make meal times fun and educational for children of all ages."
"Healthy, nutritious food powers the brain, so meal planning and preparation are always important. It also helps busy working parents to be organised for the week and not reach for those very convenient food delivery apps. Most importantly, make sure children drink enough water, because dehydration, particularly in the UAE, can negatively impact learning", adds, Jenny Evans from GEMS Royal Dubai School.
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Get Back To The Base Early
Whether you go on vacation in your home country or abroad, consider returning to the UAE at least 10 days before school begins. This adjustment period benefits both children and parents to ease into the school routine. Starting early allows everyone to practice and prepare before the academic year starts.
"Try to arrive back in the UAE a week before school starts to adjust to time zone changes and to bring bedtime forward each day so you’re ready for that first early wake-up when it’s back to school. This is also really important advice for mums and dads, too," adds Jenny Evans from GEMS Royal Dubai School.
Ask Your Child To Build A Routine
During the transition back from vacation, setting a routine for children can be challenging as everyone adjusts. Jane Clewlow from Brighton College Dubai recommends that parents engage children in planning and establishing their routines during this period. She adds, "Sit together to discuss and write down the bedtime routine, and let them choose things like music or books for bedtime. Consistency and modelling expected behaviours are key to establishing a harmonious routine for a happy and healthy household."
Make Sure All The School Essentials Are In Place
Before school starts, ensure you buy all essential school supplies and create a checklist for tasks and purchases to complete. This preparation helps children recognise that school is approaching and mentally prepare for it. Additionally, they'll feel excited about using new stationery and eagerly anticipate returning to school.
Routine Building Takes Time, Don't Hurry
Lastly, as parents, it's important to remember that building routines take time. Avoid rushing or becoming frustrated if your child resists following the routine. Parenting requires patience and understanding. Returning to school can be challenging for children, so create a positive environment at home to motivate them and help them adjust positively. "Remember, you are the adult, and you are in control. Children will push back and test boundaries, that is normal. However there is a wealth of research that indicates that firm boundaries and routines, combined with lots of love and affection, lead to healthy childhood development," adds Jenny Evans from GEMS Royal Dubai School.