Getting Back into a Routine

I think I deserve a metal. Bo has been out of school for SIXTEEN DAYS. Tomorrow is going to be a quick change for our family. No longer can I ignore my alarm and slowly get dressed. No longer can kids watch TV and have a snack before breakfast. Tomorrow, we start back into the busy morning schedule. Mornings are already really tough at our house, so I'm doing a couple of things to take a lot of pressure off tomorrow morning today.

Visual Schedule

I shared this earlier, but this visual schedule is changing our lives slowly. It's not perfect but it helps Bo know what is happening in what order. I put this schedule up this morning so that we could talk about it and ask questions. I was very specific about I needed to happen and when. Bobby asked dummy questions like "Can I watch TV and put on my clothes?" so that it could be known by all that it's clothes and then TV. 

I also used to do this as words, but saw Bo's OT draw pictures and realized that this was a better strategy since Bo can't read!

Laid Out Clothes 

All of Bo's clothes are already picked and laid out for tomorrow. He chose them and we talked about how there is no switching. Fingers Crossed that this helps for no fight. Also, if his clothes are already laid out we're not running around looking for anything. Don't forget the little details like a hairbrush or socks. Put it all together so it can be done quickly without anything to distract from the task. 

This messy pile is actually organized into four sections - Coat, Gloves, Hat, and Shoes. We've already done it so there is no last minute searching for a lost glove. 

Picking Out Breakfast the Night Before

Bo chooses his breakfast the night before that way we can prep it and have it ready to go when he comes downstairs.There is less of a wait time for him to eat (and argue about what he is having). I'm also planning on playing relaxing music and talking quietly so that big feelings stay smaller. 

Talk about the Day

Tomorrow is a big day for Bo. He's going back to school and moving to a different classroom. He's definitely nervous and excited for what is going to come next. I spent a little time with him today while he played to talk about what he's excited and thinking about for tomorrow. I also went through the schedule to preview what he's going to do. I specially highlighted the parts that are going to be the same so that he has a little comfort it that. 

Look, there is definitely going to be arguing and confusion tomorrow, but I'm hoping that this will help to have less of that. After school, we're going to have snacks in the stroller and a favorite easy dinner at home. We've planned bath night so that he can have some relaxation before going to bed. I'm treating this week like I used to plan for myself after the First Week of School in August. It's easy and quiet when we're together. He's going to be exhausted learning new rules and getting back into a routine, so I know that I have to be on my Parenting A+ Game. 

How do you help your kids get back onto a routine?