During this time of uncertainty and frequent change, putting a set schedule in place for your day-to-day routines can help to increase motivation, the competition of undesired tasks, and reduce anxiety in your children. We are all taking on a new role now, whether that be a stay at home parent, a home-school teacher, or teaching remotely. Developing a schedule that fits the needs of you and your child can help for a smoother transition from the regular 9-5 routine, to this new ever-changing lifestyle. Below are some essential tips to help get you started on creating your own daily schedule that is kid-friendly.
1. Make Sure Your Child(ren) Understand the Expectations You Have for Them
Have a discussion with your child before putting the schedule in place as to what you expect them to do, whether it be for school work or house work. Nothing will help to produce frustration more than adding another "unknown" into the mix. A helpful way to get your child to understand what you would like them to do, is to have your child help create the schedule with you. This not only will help for them to understand the expectations you hold for your them and the tasks you want them to complete, but also gives them a sense of autonomy.
2. Making Your Schedule Kid-Friendly
In order to make your daily schedule kid-friendly, there are some necessary components to include. For one, it is important that the language used for the schedule is something they can understand. If a child does not understand what something means on the schedule, they may grow more aggravated throughout the day. Make your schedule clear and make time allotments appropriate. It will be harder for a child to follow a schedule if you have two school subjects in a row for 30 minutes each and without a break or a play period. Keep in mind that children have shorter attention spans than adults and can get distracted easily.
3. Frequent Reminders
It is important to frequently remind your child either of the expectations you have for them, or what the next task/event on the schedule is. A good way to do this is to have the schedule written down, and in a place where the child can easily access it, to use it as a reference. Reminders are useful also, if they are given 10-15 minutes prior to a transition. You will see a more successful transition rate if you allow the child enough warning before a change in task/event or any change in the schedule is warranted.
4. Get Your Child Motivated
If your child is having difficulties following the routine/schedule, try pairing completed tasks with rewards. When children have something to work towards earning, their motivation tends to increase. This could be as small as having the child place a check-mark or sticker next to a completed item so they have a visual representation of their work, or a small reward such as ice cream after dinner or more tv time. If your child becomes accustomed to earning a reward after completing tasks, spread the rewards out to make it slightly harder for them to obtain. This will help to increase their internal motivation, which in the long run will help them to complete tasks without the accompaniment of a reward!
5. Allow for Breaks
One of the most critical aspects of developing a schedule is adding frequent breaks. Children tend to get overwhelmed quicker than adults and lose their momentum when this happens. Adding breaks into their schedule will help them sustain their energy to work through their "at-home" school day. This also allows for the mind to have a rest, so that it can recharge for another tasks at a later time.
6. Add Play Time!
Creativity and play are two very important aspects of a child's development. This is why recess is part of the normal routine when a child goes to school. Adding a "recess" or play period into your routine can help ignite your child's imagination and inspire them to develop and hold more meaningful and creative thoughts. This is also helpful too, as it is similar to their in-school routine. Additionally, play time is a way to support their social-emotional learning.
Need more ideas on how to keep your kids busy? Understood.org is a great resource that is family friendly and focused on ways to support regular ed children, and those with special needs. The following is a helpful article titled: "Stuck at Home? 20 Learning Activities to Keep Kids Busy"
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