If your kids are too young to read a schedule, rely on images instead.
“A good breakfast activity would be reviewing the schedules and moving things around so schedules match up,” advises Robertson. Does your daughter get antsy sitting down for too long? Schedule a five-minute stretch break at the end of every activity-or better yet, make it a family affair.
But otherwsie, let your children have a say in how their days are structured. Some to-dos are non-negotiable (like tidying up her toys or doing his math homework). Your son misses his friends and wants to FaceTime with them instead of doing crafts? Give the kid a break.) “Your schedule doesn’t have to be rigid, but it should be consistent and predictable,” says Robertson. (Toddler on a nap strike? Move on to the next activity. Use them as a starting point to plan an itinerary that works for your family. “Routines and schedules help us all when we know generally what to expect, what happens next and what is expected of us.”īut before you roll your eyes at another color-coded, Insta-COVID-perfect schedule that accounts for every minute of your mini’s day (including a back-up plan for inclement weather), keep in mind that these are sample schedules created by real moms. “Young children get comfort and security from a predictable routine,” Bright Horizons’ vice president of education and development Rachel Robertson tells us. So what can you do to reign in the mayhem? Create a daily schedule for kids to help give them some structure. Add in the fact that so many of us are juggling childcare with working from home and days can quickly spiral into chaos. This would be a challenge under normal circumstances, but it’s even more difficult now that the usual go-tos-parks, playgrounds and playdates-are out of the picture. Hang it where everyone can see it often, especially while you are establishing the schedule.In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, schools and childcare providers across the country have ceased operations, leaving many parents wondering just what the hell to do with their kids all day long. You can print either of these schedule templates out, and have your kids help create a schedule that works for everyone.
Visual reminders help everyone get on the same page. Things will always come up and you may need to adjust, but in general, try to stay with your set schedule. If your schedule changes often, it will be hard for kids to follow along and know what to expect. Once you have established your schedule, try as much as you can to be consistent with following it. Ask your kids to tell you about the schedule, to boost understanding. Involve your kids in making the schedule, and explain how it’s going to work in terms that they’ll understand. There are 2Af things that really help to get your kids on a schedule and establish routines. Let loose a little! Try to enjoy your time together, simply.Use time when you aren’t working to teach your kids things they can do independently.Make a plan for when you are working and your kids still need structure.Don’t compare your schedule with others – do what works for your family.Get on the same page with your partner and/or other adult caregivers.Create routines and a schedule, but be flexible.When life is busy, routines can help you feel more organised and in control, which lowers stress.Regular and consistent routines can help you feel like you’re doing a good job as a parent.Routines help you get through your daily tasks and free up time for other things.By taking time to teach and interact with your kids, you can actually use daily routines to help develop and strengthen the bond you share with your family. Routines help you connect with your kids.When you establish a routine for chores and taking care of your household, kids are learning to contribute, work hard, and take care of something outside of themselves. Routines help kids learn skills and responsibility.Social skills, hygiene, work and healthy eating habits are all things kids can learn through good routines. Routines help kids learn how the world runs, and what they need to do in order to interact successfully in that world. Routines create an environment for learning.This is especially important during times of change or uncertainty. Routines provide kids with a sense of security and stability.Routines have a positive impact on kids and families, particularly in times of uncertainty. When schools are closed, consider building a flexible daily schedule to help your family run more smoothly! Scroll on to see the scheduling tips and printable charts. Kids thrive on a balance of routine and free play.