Importance in Routine

       I wanted to briefly touch on the importance of established routines.  As most of you know, established routines are vitally important to your child's sense of security. Often, when children have something on their minds or are concerned about "what happens next," they are too preoccupied to focus on the task at hand. When they can routinely predict what's going to happen next, children can dedicate more energy and concentration to their current work because they are not anticipating any surprises. In our classroom, I have an established routine that rarely varies from one day to the next. This allows the children to know what to do and when to do it, thus allowing them to establish healthy work habits.             

       Routines are also an essential element of positive discipline. Simple routines, such as family dinners and reading together, can also develop into fun family traditions, such as big Sunday morning breakfasts, weekly trips to the library, or devoting one evening a week to a special dinner or game night. Both simple household routines and fun family traditions help children feel that they play an important role in the family and that they belong. Establishing traditions within the family reinforces the unique and important role each person plays that makes the family special. This helps strengthen relationships and gives children a sense of security and belonging, which leads to better social skills, improved self-esteem, and emotional growth for your child.           

        Many of you have come to me with specific frustrations in regards to getting your children up and out of the house in the morning. Although we encourage independence, it's not always feasible to wait 20 minutes for your child to put on his or her shoes.   Pick your battles in the morning but do as much advance preparation as you can.  While cooking dinner (or cleaning it up), for example, get a jump on the next day's lunches. Have the kids clean out their lunch boxes and wash their containers. They can then add whole fruits like apples or oranges and other no-spoil food (boxed raisins, crackers, baggies filled with pretzels). Encourage your child to select the next day's attire so they can immediately start dressing in the morning.  

       And lastly, keep it quiet in the morning.  Although it seems counterintuitive, television can really add to morning chaos as well.  Please limit before-school TV time to a Friday reward if, and only if, everyone is completely ready to walk out the door for school.  

-Grasshopper Teacher