Welcome to the KidZville Learning Academy blog! We're excited to share more advice and inspiration with all the amazing parents out there. Our focus is to ensure your children enjoy every moment of their early years to the fullest!
Summer days will soon be over, but don’t worry just yet! Because going back to school only means that new adventures are coming. However, we know that going back into that structured routine after the carefree days of summer isn’t easy, so we’re here with some tips to help you and your child get through it.
In this blog, we’ll discuss ideas to help your child get organized for those school days. We’re talking about achieving smooth mornings and productive after-school activities, because your child’s time at home is key for their success throughout the year!
Why Are Routines Important?
Creating daily routines for your child helps provide balance and teaches discipline. Also, before and after school routines don’t have to be boring or predictable. They’re there to guide your child through their everyday school life, but they can be as exciting as you want them to be.
At KidZville, we’ve seen firsthand how routines can be educational and fun at the same time. It all comes down to the positive attitude you bring and how you share that enthusiasm with your little one.
Without further ado, here are our tips to help you get back into that school routine with your child, or even create one from scratch if your little star is making their debut to their school years!
Let’s Start the Day the Right Way!
There’s no denying that mornings can be tough for all of us, not just for the kids. But once school starts, it can get especially chaotic to help your child get ready to start their day. So, here’s what you can do to make it easier:
Establish a Morning Routine
Morning chaos can be controlled by having a consistent routine. If your child knows what’s their wake-up time, or when they should get dressed, they’ll be able to reduce stress and know what to expect.
Get Them Something Visual to Learn
Children tend to be visual learners, so if you create a fun looking schedule that lists the tasks they should achieve before going to school, they’ll be eager to complete it. Especially if you use pictures or drawings to represent brushing their teeth or eating breakfast. You could even turn it into a fun craft with your child before school starts!
Prepare a Healthy Breakfast
To set your child up for a great day, start with a healthy and nutritious breakfast. We know that whipping up something from scratch can be challenging amidst morning chaos, so preparing a few meals beforehand can be a real lifesaver. However, if you have the time, feel free to channel your inner chef and cook a delicious breakfast for your little one!
Create a Calm Environment
School mornings tend to be anything but peaceful. Still, it is important to try to keep things stress-free, and you could do that with some soothing music and avoiding a rushed environment.
Encourage Independence
Teaching your child to take responsibility for their morning tasks is healthy. Encourage them to get dressed, pack their backpack, and get other things done themselves before school.
Stay Positive
Positive affirmations make the difference when it comes to attracting good vibes for your child throughout the day. Use kind words to boost their confidence, so they can take on the day like the little champs they are!
Remember, mornings are just the beginning of the day, so when kids come back home from school, you have to keep that A-game to make the most out of the afternoon.
The World of Possibilities After School
When your child gets home from school, it’s easy for them to lose track of the tasks they have to do before relaxing after a long day, so it’s important to teach them responsibility. At KidZville, we’re experts at helping your children focus on their studies. So, here are some tips:
Set a Consistent After-School Schedule
Just like in the mornings, having a constant routine in the afternoon will give your child some orientation towards how they should approach their after-school time, with homework, relaxation, and fun activities.
Prepare a Healthy Snack
Afternoons can get anyone hungry, but make sure to get some healthy snacks for your child. Think about combining protein and carbohydrates, like yogurt with fruit, cheese and crackers, or a smoothie.
Create a Place Where They Can Study
Kids need a quiet, distraction-free area for them to do their homework. So, try to look for a place at your home where your child has proper lighting and the necessary supplies.
Balance Extracurricular Activities
Clubs and extracurricular activities are excellent for helping your child explore their interests and make new friends. Enrolling them in team sports can also provide valuable exercise. Just be mindful not to over-schedule, so they can relax as well.
Implement a Wind-Down Routine
School, homework, and extracurricular activities can be tiring for kids, so they should have some time to wind down after a busy day. Make sure to include activities that help them relax, like reading, drawing, listening to music, or watching their favorite movie.
Limit Screen Time
Try to limit screen time after school. Down time is important, but try to encourage activities that promote creativity and interaction, such as playing outside, or enjoying board games as a family.
Check-In on Them
Remember to spend a few minutes talking to your child about their day. Ask some open-ended questions to start a conversation and show interest in their experiences to build a strong connection together.
Plan for the Next Day
It’s always a good idea to end the evening with some planning. Think of it as the perfect time to leave everything ready for the next day. Prepare their little backpacks, lay out their clothes, and pack or plan their lunch boxes in advance. This will save you some time in the hectic morning.
Maintain a Consistent Bedtime Routine
Getting enough sleep is very important for children’s development, and getting them to stick to a bedtime routine is the best way to do it.
In Conclusion
Before and after school routines can help your child stay organized and productive throughout the year. Establishing schedules and regular activities not only sets them up for success but also helps them find balance. Remember, it’s not just about homework and studying—fun and life experiences are equally important. So, make sure to encourage your little ones to make lasting memories as they grow and learn.
Thank you for reading our blog! At KidZville, we're thrilled to kick off the new school year on September 3rd, 2024. This new year will bring lots of adventures for your little ones. Let us know if you use any of our tips for your routine and how they worked for your child!
Also, don’t forget to check out our website and join our community of amazing parents for more tips to make your child’s journey a lot more memorable. Finally, here’s to an amazing school year ahead!
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