Back to school can be a hard start, especially after COVID, as we establish a different sort of routine than the summer time. We all do it. We get up, use the restroom, eat breakfast, brush teeth, get dressed, work out/get movement, shower, make lunch and go to work etc. Maybe you don’t have a routine and you fly by the seat of your pants. Maybe you don’t thrive on structure but guess what? Most of the time ,kids do! They need to know what is coming next, they need to be prepared for that next step and doing things in order to succeed appropriately.

Children thrive on consistency. They like knowing what is coming next and at times, like doing it by themselves. Keeping things the same, even though it can be repetitive at times, is very important for a child to understand what is expected of them and at what point in time.

Unexpected, abrupt change or distractions can make it really difficult for children to be independent with tasks such as ADL’s; activities of daily living (brushing hair, brushing teeth, getting dressed, getting socks and shoes on, feeding etc.), being on time and being responsible (getting school items together, taking care of pets etc.). Changes or alterations cause children to meltdown, get distracted, take a long time to complete certain tasks or forget to complete part of the task.

Here are some helpful tools to get your child, and maybe yourself, into a good routine and build an appropriate habit to help them succeed in their future.

Helpful tools to modify a schedule or routine:

—Adding visuals: having pictures for the younger children so they can have a visual component to your verbal cue, can be helpful so all you have to say is, “what’s next?”, “lets go check the chart”. Having a way to pull it off when the task is “done” is also helpful for the child to be involved in completing the task. Here are some examples of charts/visuals you can use or make your own!

—Having a list: if they are old enough to read what is listed then that can be a more appropriate alternative. Even have them write it if possible! A list for 3-5 things in the morning, after school or evening is appropriate so that your child does not get too overwhelmed with too much on the list.

—Rewards/motivators: Children like to push back or control often, so if there is a motivation factor with it (get 10 stars for getting ready in the morning and at night etc then you can get an extra book, something from the dollar store, pick a prize from the “treasure box” etc.), then at times, some children will be more motivated to complete the tasks. They will not need a reward all the time as this is just a modification for the time being.

—Make it fun! Getting ready for the day or going to bed can be difficult! So adding in creative ways to get from here to there or putting their shirt at the top of the stairs and pants at the bottom and their sock in the bathroom, can be fun and encourage in a positive way with movement. Check out this handout of ideas to get from here to there!

—Meet them halfway: Kids struggle at times just completing the task for the routine and really do need assistance with the task, resulting in push back or meltdown. Do half! “I will do 1 sock, you do the other”, “I will help you with your shirt if you can pull up your pants”. It is all about balance. Do NOT do it all for them! They need to learn how to be independent while making it as age appropriate as possible.

It takes time. It won’t happen overnight. Go slow, implement a few things at a time until they understand how to get a good established routine. Remember to boost the positives and encourage that the child CAN complete the task as sometimes it can be difficult for them. Children can take about 2-3 weeks for something new to become a habit. Don’t give up!

-SP4K