Daily Routines
Homework Tips
Teach your child to:
· Write assignments down on a To-Do list, or in a Homework Journal.
· Provide a separate place away from distractions. No TV or other activities that will interfere.
· Establish a regular time so homework becomes a HABIT.
· Choose a time that is earlier in the day, rather than later. Children will be more alert, and motivated to complete their job so that they will have more free time.
· Provide a desk or table with materials nearby: comfortable chair, lamp, sharpened pencils, pens, blank paper, dictionary, ruler, tape, paper clips, and maybe a tote to organize it all.
· A child may need to: work awhile, take a short break, and then work some more.
· Put homework in book bag once it has been completed. Remind children to turn in the homework.
Clean-Up
· Begin including toddlers in clean-up duties.
· Have boxes or crates set aside for each type of toy. Put a picture of the toy on the outside. Organization helps children know where each toy belongs.
· Show children how you clean up; encourage them to follow your example.
· Use a clean-up song to signal clean-up time and make it fun!
· Have a family clean-up time when everyone cleans together until the timer goes off.
· Teach children clean-up skills by assigning them as "helpers" for jobs, such as vacuuming, dusting, clearing the dinner table, folding clothes.
When the family works together, clean-up can be fun. Sharing clean-up duties teaches children responsibility and teamwork skills.
Getting Out The Door On Time In The Morning
1. Get organized the night before. Set out clothes and outerwear; pack book bags and lunches.
2. Have a morning routine that can be followed every day. Make it a habit. A morning routine may include: wake-up, morning hugs, eat breakfast, get dressed, brush teeth, grab lunch and book bag.
3. Play "Beat The Clock." Set a timer and try to beat the times.
4. Make the morning as fun and playful as possible. Sing songs, allow the children to watch part of a video if they finish early, make up stories about their day, talk about a friend coming over.
5. Offer rewards for following the routine. A sticker chart or hand stamp work well with young children. Remember to praise your children whenever they do what you want them to do
6. Allow adequate time in the morning. Get up 15-30 minutes earlier if it is still chaotic in the morning.
Bedtime, Tooth Brushing and Mealtime Tips
Bedtime Routines
· Following a bedtime routine is important because it helps children fall asleep on their own and helps them get a good night's sleep.
· Establish a consistent bedtime routine, such as taking a bath, brushing teeth, putting on pajamas, and finally, having a story. Have the last activity take place in the bedroom, so the bedroom becomes a place where good things happen.
· Help children learn to fall asleep on their own. After routines are finished, put the child in bed, say goodnight, and leave the room.
Tooth Brushing
· Brushing your child's teeth will go faster if you brush together as a family.
· Try a novelty or mechanical toothbrush.
· Set an egg timer and brush until the sand runs out.
· If your child is fussy at bedtime, then brush after dinner instead.
Experts say that spending mealtime together is an important way to strengthen relationships and keep communication open with your child. Yet, mealtime with young children can be stressful for parents. Mealtime can be a pleasurable experience, not a battleground. Here are some ideas that may help.
· Always have one food that she will eat without fuss.
· Don't overload a child's plate. Small portions look more appetizing.
· Children's taste buds are different than adults. Foods may not taste the same to them as they do to you. Keep offering new foods.
· Offer healthy snacks between meals.
· Try serving food in an individual container. Children sometimes eat far more this way.
· Let children leave the table when they are full. If a child is not hungry, do not force him to eat.
· Continue offering healthy food at planned snack and meal times.
Mealtime should be a time of sharing food and fellowship. Include your child in meal preparation and clean up, too. This time will give you an extra chance for some conversations.
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