Switching Up the Back-To-School Routine

Hey everyone - this is my post for the Green Moms Carnival - and I am hosting this month!!  Come back during the week of August 23rd 30th for more tips, ideas and thoughts on making back-to-school time a more sustainable endeavor! 

This year, as the beginning of the school year approaches, I'm not worrying as much about packing a healthy lunch or avoiding all the crazy back-to-school commercialism.  Instead, I'm fretting about routines. 

I'm generally not big on routines.  I like an easy going approach to day-to-day life.  Yet one thing I've realized over 10 years of parenting is that routines are really important for kids.  Sure they resist them and they try their darndest to get out of them, but through routine they learn self-discipline and commitment.  Important values for life!

Alas, our school year routine has gotten a little out of control!  The boys have a late start school so we have lots of time in the morning but I've let a bit too much screen time fall into the mix.  Bagels and cream cheese have become the go-to breakfast instead of healthier options.  All too often, we end up in a rush and teeth aren't brushed....and in the evening, homework can be a challenge if we let it get too late.

With Liam starting kindergarten this fall, this is the time to pull in the reins a bit.  A more structured routine will help us live a greener and healthier life!  Here's what I'm thinking:

7:30 wake up/get dressed

8:00 screen time (1/2 hour max!)

8:30 breakfast at the table (oatmeal, eggs...something with sticking power!)

8:50 brush teeth & get ready

9:00 leave for bus

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4:15 healthy after-school snack (something from the Healthy Snacks eBook, perhaps?)

6:00 healthy sit-down dinner

7:00 homework

Now I realize that some of you are probably freaking at how late our morning schedule is.  Believe me, it's nice in a lot of ways, but it has it's down-sides too.  Like I can't be anywhere or get anything done before 9:30 in the morning...which makes this whole idea of going back to work a little challenging. (oh, I didn't tell you about that?  More about that later!)  And the late afternoon means it's hard to fit in homework, especially on sports nights. 

What is your school year routine?  What are your biggest challenges?  Any and all advice appreciated!

{note: should you choose to buy the Healthy Snacks eBook, I get a small commission from the affiliate program}

Comments

[Unplanned Cooking]

Our routines are similar, only I've still got 2 little ones at home (with one off to preschool). But I find if I stick to the morning routine, our day goes much smoother - once we're dressed we can conquer the world :).

[Abbie]

My maternity leave is ending and I'm heading back to school. Since I teach high school, I'm going to have to go back to getting up at 5:30... But I'm out of work by 2 so I look on the bright side.

Is it too late to contribute to the carnival? I'd like to write from a teacher's perspective!

[Micaela]

Abbie - Yes - we would love to have a teacher's perspective in the carnival!! I'll send you an email...

[Tammy Anderson-Wise]

Hi Micaela- I just love that you're scheduling a healthy breakfast, snack AND family meal every day!

As a nutrition expert with Dairy Council of California and a mom of two, I know firsthand the benefits of family meal time. With the free meal-planning tools on www.MealsMatter.org, cooking family meals does not have to be expensive, elaborate or time consuming to be beneficial!

More simple ideas and a free Back to School 30-Minute Family Meal cookbook, visit http://www.mealsmatter.org/EatingForHealth/FeatureArchive/index2.aspx

[Lori Alper]

Hi Micaela-Thanks for posting about routines. Like most, we are about to dive in head first to a routine after a summer of no routines. My biggest challenge is the staggered start time for my kids in the morning. My little guy-in first grade-starts later than my other two. I have a hard time getting everyone up and out when they need to be.

Just wondering what time your kids go to bed? That is going to be challenging too-trying to get back to a consistent, reasonable bedtime.

[Micaela]

Lori - I'm going to have to work on bedtimes too - it's gotten pretty late during the summer! I'm thinking lights out at 8:15/8:30 for the kindergartner and 9:30 for the 5th grader.

[Micaela]

Tammy - thanks for the link. I'm a big advocate of family meals!

[Brenna]

One of my biggest goals this school year is to not be in such a rush in the morning. And this means not waking up at the absolutely last minute. I am thrilled that my first grader will get to ride the bus, or walk with dad, this year. Still have to drive the preschooler though...

I am excited to see the other carnival submissions, although I am bummed to have missed it!

[elpi]

First and foremost, back to school is a great time to get organized.Set up the routine at the beginning of the school year and be prepared to enforce.