Maintaining a Sense of Routine

School is out for an undetermined amount of time.  It could be months before it’s back in session. And most adults are working from home or likely will be very soon. All of a family’s routines are now out the window! This could be a recipe for disaster for family relationships, but I don’t think it has to be. One of the most helpful things parents can do immediately is put some new routines in place. Children fare much better when things are predictable. I encourage you to make a daily schedule for your children just as they had when school was in session. Wake up at about the same time every day and get moving. Put a “homeschool”  schedule in place where kids know at what time they’ll be doing school work and when they will have free time, just as they would on regular school days. Keep mealtimes and bedtimes regular. Make sure to include lots of outside play, rest time, and time for household chores. (Yes. Children need chores). Also include alone time where family members agree to be separated to relax, each in their own spaces. Togetherness 24/7 can be very challenging for even the healthiest relationships! This is a very stressful time for everyone but keeping a predictable routine will be a big help!

About Gretchen Derda (Woosley), MSW, LCSW

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in a private psychotherapy practice where I specialize in work with families and children. My focus is to help families improve their functioning so that each member of the family can reach their full potential, becoming the persons they were meant to be.
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