How to get back into routine smoothly

Sandy feet and windswept hair… lazy summer holidays are SO good. If only they lasted forever. Ease your family back into the real world with our top tips.

Summer holidays are for spending time with family, relaxing and recharging. But, let’s be honest, relaxing can mean kids’ routines are thrown out of whack. Bedtimes tend to creep later and later, while visitors or travelling can disrupt children’s naptimes and mealtimes. That’s ok, you’re on holiday, after all. But having a plan for when real life resumes can be helpful to ease the family back into the every day – and get everyone where they need to be on time! Here’s our top suggestions:

Bring back routine

We’re firm believers in routine here at Edge Early Learning. Kids settle more easily and feel more comfortable when they know what to expect each day – and the same is true at home. So, as the holidays wind up, we definitely recommend bringing back or establishing a family routine. A standard routine can include structure for children around:

• Getting ready for the day – Empowering children to choose their own clothes and get dressed themselves will build their confidence (plus they’re sure to choose some photo-worthy outfits!)
• Meals – Aim to bring mealtimes close to what they’ll be when “real life” starts up again.
• Outside play – Encourage children to play outside once it’s cooled down in the afternoons to make the most of the summer days and tire them out for bedtime.
• Bedtime – Reintroduce your bedtime routine and be sure to include some snuggle time and a bedtime story. For some reason, kids love to chat at bedtime and it’s a great opportunity for parents and caregivers to hear everything that’s on their little one’s mind. Start this routine while children are small and keep it going as long as you can. It’s lovely for building relationships and great for your own peace of mind as they get older!

Tips for a smooth transition

After relaxed summer days, children may not be keen to embrace a formal routine all in one go. Okay, adults too. Be kind to yourself and try our tips:

Share a tangible “get ready” prompt – You know how children are more willing to leave the park or a playdate when you give them a five-minute warning? Try a similar tactic here. Talk to your child about the family going back to daycare/school/work and involve them in getting ready. They could dig out their bag to pack, check their hat still fits or go shopping for new shoes if they’ve outgrown their old ones.

Ease in gradually – You don’t have to implement the whole routine all at one. We certainly understand wanting to hang on to the sleep-ins as long as you can! Gradually bring bedtime earlier until it’s where you need it to be.

Plan to be home – It’s much easier to stick to routine when you’re at home, so plan to be at home for the last few days of holidays if you can.

Mark the end of the holidays – Marking the passage of time helps give children a sense of belonging and accomplishment and builds their self-confidence. Sit down as a family, perhaps at the dinner table or over ice-cream, and reflect on the year that’s passed. Ask each family member to share their favourite moment from the previous year – you may be surprised by what your children choose!